Shap Abbey - Medieval Abbey England
Not much more than a mile out of the village of Shap, in a valley of the river Lowther lies the remains of Shap Abbey. The peace and solitude that attracted monks in the 12th Century is still in evidence today.
A fairly substantial amount of the West tower remains as well as the foundations of the living quarters church. The stores still look as inviting as they were in the 13th Century when they were stocked with bread, ale and meats. (If of interest, you can read more about medieval food) The medieval toilets can also easily be found.
The Abbey also contains a tiny coffin in the Chapter House as well as etched circles in the church floor which mark the positions where the Canons stood at the end of the Sunday procession when they entered the church by the west doorway and stood in two files by the nave alter.
Timeline
1190 A group of Premonstratensian Canons settle near Kendal. The Canons are from an order of monks that originating in northern France. The monks are interested in remote sites away from people where they can commune with god in peace.
1200 The small group of around a dozen Canons move to Shap, which in the 12th century was known as "Hepp". "Hepp" changed to "Shap" over the next 100 years. At this time, these canons are relatively wealthy thanks to donations from wealthy families including the Cliffords and Vieuxponts. They set up temporary wooden buildings next to the River Lowther and begin the task of constructing their church and living quarters.
Over the next century the chapter house, dormitory, cloisters and warming house are completed. A community of about fifty people settle in the precinct surrounding the Abbey,including shepherds, millers and farmers.
The Abbot and up to twelve Canons are able to live a relatively undisturbed life over the next two centuries. The Abbey gradually expands: two chapels are added in the 15th Century and the Church is extended to the East, the extension is still in evidence today.
1458-1505 The Abbey is said to be at its most powerful. Richard Redman is the Abbot at this time. He is also elected Canon of Shap.
1540 The monks give up Shap Abbey to Henry VIII's commissioners as part of the dissolution of the monastries. Demolition begins immediately, all lead is removed from the roofs and stone is carried away for other buildings (later for Shap Market Hall) and window glass is removed and melted down. The Canons are forced to accept pensions and take up positions as local parish priests.
1545 The land is granted to a local landowner Sir Thomas Wharton. Later it passes to the Lowther family.
1948 The Abbey remains are handed over by the Lowther Estate to the nation. Today the remains are maintained by English Heritage.