Revesby Abbey
Christian·England·Ruins/Country House (at risk)·12th century
Revesby Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery founded in 1143 in Lincolnshire, England, by William de Roumare. After its dissolution in the 16th century, the abbey was largely demolished, and the site was developed into a country house. The current house, rebuilt in 1845, is now in poor condition and listed on the Heritage at Risk Register, with the main structure considered to be at serious risk.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1143 by William de Roumare, Earl of Lincoln.
- ›The first monks were sent from Rievaulx Abbey.
- ›Dissolved around 1539 as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- ›The site was later developed into a country house, with the current structure dating from 1845.
- ›The current country house is listed on the 2023 Heritage at Risk Register.
Jacobethan
Fishponds, Abbey Church and Cloister, Country House
William De Roumare, Earl of Lincoln, Sir Joseph Banks
Dissolution of the Monasteries
About Revesby Abbey
Revesby Abbey was a prominent Cistercian monastery situated near the village of Revesby in Lincolnshire, England. Its establishment in 1143 was a significant event, with William de Roumare, Earl of Lincoln, serving as its founder. The initial community of monks arrived from Rievaulx Abbey, marking an early connection within the Cistercian order.
History and Dissolution
The abbey flourished for centuries, accumulating land and manors, and in 1534, its recorded income was substantial. However, by 1538, reports indicated the abbey was in "great ruin and decay." This decline culminated in its dissolution around 1539, a period marked by the widespread dismantling of monastic institutions across England.
Post-Dissolution and Country House
After its dissolution, the former monastic estate passed through various hands, eventually leading to the development of a country house on the site. The current house, a substantial structure rebuilt in the Jacobethan style in 1845 by architect William Burn for James Banks Stanhope, stands on the former abbey's grounds but not directly upon its monastic remains. Excavations in the late 19th century revealed the foundations of the abbey church and cloister, and unearthed the skeletons of several monks.
Current Status
In recent times, the country house has fallen into disrepair. It was listed on the 2023 Heritage at Risk Register by Historic England, with its main house noted as being in "very bad" condition and at "serious risk" of further decay, despite some progress in renovating the stable block. The property has been unoccupied since the 1960s.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Revesby Abbey founded?
Revesby Abbey was founded in 1143 by William de Roumare, Earl of Lincoln.
Who were the first monks at Revesby Abbey?
The first monks to inhabit Revesby Abbey were sent from Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire.
What happened to Revesby Abbey after its dissolution?
Following its dissolution in the 16th century, the abbey was demolished. A country house was subsequently built on the site, with the current structure dating from 1845.
What is the current condition of the former Revesby Abbey site?
The country house built on the site of Revesby Abbey is in poor condition and is listed on the 2023 Heritage at Risk Register as being at serious risk.
Are there any remains of the original Revesby Abbey visible today?
Little of the original abbey is visible today. Excavations have located the abbey church and cloister, and earthworks indicate the extent of the abbey precinct and fishponds.
Related Monasteries
Aldeby Priory
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Aldgate Priory
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Anglesey Priory
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