Meaux Abbey
Meaux Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded in 1151 by William le Gros near Beverley, England. It played a significant role in regional history, notably selling land to King Edward I for the establishment of Kingston upon Hull. The abbey was closed and demolished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1151 by William le Gros, 1st Earl of Albemarle.
- ›Belonged to the Cistercian order.
- ›Sold land to King Edward I for the development of Kingston upon Hull.
- ›Closed and dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539.
- ›Demolished after its closure, with materials used for Hull's defenses.
- ›The site is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Chronica Monasterii De Melsa, Site Is A Scheduled Ancient Monument
Melsa
William Le Gros, Thomas Burton
Founded In 1151, Sold Land To King Edward I In 1293, Closed and Dissolved In 1539
About Meaux Abbey
Meaux Abbey, also known by the archaic name Melsa, was a significant Cistercian monastery located near Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Its establishment in 1151 was initiated by William le Gros, a prominent figure who held titles including 1st Earl of Albemarle and Earl of York.
History and Significance
The abbey played a notable role in the region's development. In 1293, it sold land to King Edward I of England, which was crucial for the establishment of the town of Kingston upon Hull. A detailed historical account of the monastery, the Chronica Monasterii de Melsa, was compiled around 1388 by Thomas Burton, the abbey's Bursar and later Abbot.
The abbey's existence concluded in 1539 with its closure and dissolution by King Henry VIII. Following its dissolution, Meaux Abbey was demolished, and its building materials were repurposed for the construction of defenses around Kingston upon Hull. Today, the site of the former abbey is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, preserving its historical importance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Meaux Abbey founded?
Meaux Abbey was founded in 1151. The founder was William le Gros, 1st Earl of Albemarle.
What religious order did Meaux Abbey belong to?
Meaux Abbey was a Cistercian monastery. The Cistercian order is a contemplative branch of monasticism.
What happened to Meaux Abbey?
Meaux Abbey was closed and dissolved in 1539 by King Henry VIII. It was subsequently demolished, and its stones were reused to build defenses for Kingston upon Hull.
Is the site of Meaux Abbey still visible today?
The site of Meaux Abbey is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, indicating its historical significance.
Who wrote a chronicle about Meaux Abbey?
A chronicle of the abbey's history, titled Chronica Monasterii de Melsa, was written around 1388 by Thomas Burton, who was the Bursar and later Abbot of the monastery.
Related Monasteries

Newminster Abbey
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Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery in North Yorkshire, England, founded in 1132 and becoming one of the great abbeys in the country. Despite periods of great financial prosperity and expansion, it faced challenges like debt and population decline, leading to a relaxation of its strict observances. The abbey was ultimately dissolved in 1538 under Henry VIII and its impressive ruins are now a major tourist attraction managed by English Heritage.
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