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Pictures of Kirkstall Abbey
About Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is one of Yorkshire's finest ruined Cistercian abbey's. It was founded in the 12th-century from which much of the building survives surprisingly well, although the wall of one side of the church tower does appear somewhat precarious. However, what remains of this beautiful ruin, set beside the River Aire, has recently been the subject of renovation and the romantic ruin is completely safe.
Historically, Kirkstall Abbey was founded by monks from Fountains Abbey in 1152, it flourished until November 1539 when it was closed in Henry VIII's Dissolution, and the monks pensioned off.
Over the centuries the mystery and mystique of this beautiful site has drawn the attention of the artists Turner, Thomas Girtin and Moses Griffith, all who came to paint it.
Several noted historians are believed to prefer the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey over those of the more famous abbey's of Fountains and Rievaulx. Even to the untrained eye, it is easy to understand why, for what is left is outstandingly beautiful, immediately capturing the imagination as to what this great place must have looked like centuries ago when the great bell tolled, calling the monks back from their labours.
The most impressive parts to see are the ruins of the Church, the Tower, the Transept and Chapter House. Perhaps the Cloisters where the monks would gather for quiet contemplation, reading and writing are the most evocative and tranquil part of this lovely ruined abbey.
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All towns in West YorkshireComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help| Headingley Station | (0.8 miles, 1.3 km) | | Burley Park Station | (1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction SE) | | M621 Junction 2 | (3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction SE) | | M621 Junction 1 | (3.4 miles, 5.5 km, direction S) | | Leeds Bradford International Airport | (3.7 miles, 6.0 km, direction NW) | | Sheffield City Airport | (31.0 miles, 49.9 km, direction S) | | Kirkstall Abbey to London | (171.7 miles, 276.2 km, direction S) |
Hotels near Kirkstall Abbey |  Village Hotel & Leisure Club Leeds186 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England (1.2 miles, 2.0 km, direction NE)
At Village Leeds you will experience a warm welcome, complemented by professional service and a wide range of leisure facilities for you to enjoy during your stay with us including 25m swimming pool a...
More info and book online.. Price from £60.00 |  |  Ascot Grange Hotel128 Otley Rd, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England (1.3 miles, 2.0 km, direction NE)
Wonderful 2 Star Hotel in Leeds. You will always receive a warm welcome from our friendly and helpful staff. Ascot Grange provides quality accommodation in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. The ...
More info and book online.. Price from £42.00 |  | The Boundary Hotel42 Cardigan Road, Headingley Leeds, West Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, England (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction E)
Welcome to the Boundary Hotel in Headingley, just 2 miles from Leeds city centre and motorways. We are a 3-diamond rated hotel with affordable accommodation. We offer free Sky film, sport and adul...
More info and book online.. Price from £29.00 |  | The Butlers Hotel40 Cardigan Rd, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction E)
Welcome to the Butlers Hotel, your address in Leeds since the 1980s. We are a 3-star hotel with affordable en suite accommodation. We offer free Sky movies, sport and adult channels, free Wi-Fi in ...
More info and book online.. Price from £54.00 |  |  Weetwood Hall Conference Centre & HotelOtley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England (1.5 miles, 2.3 km, direction NE)
Set within nine acres of parkland estate and built around a 17th Century Manor House, Weetwood Hall is the largest and most flexible 4 star conference centre and hotel in the North of England. Our ...
More info and book online.. Price from £55.00 |
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