Shap Abbey

Only a few minutes from the campsite we’ve been to last month, was Shap Abbey. It’s managed by the English Heritage, it has free entry and free parking nearby. The abbey looks beautiful and the views are stunning. There aren’t a lot of information boards, but they are doing restoration works, so more boards might show up after this.

The abbey was founded in the 12th century by Thomas, a local baron. Shap Abbey was one of 32 religious houses in Britain belonging to the Premonstratensian order of canons. The tower dates from the 15th century. In mid 16th century, after the dissolution, the land was granted to the Governor of Carlisle. Part of the Abbey was used as a farm, but most of it was dismantled for materials.

This picture is taken from a nearby field where is livestock. Festus was with us, but the sheep didn’t seem too bothered by him, anyway he was on a lead, away from them.

The tower needs restoration, as the crack in the middle is quite large.

This is a stone coffin of one of the abbots that were buried in the chapter house. There are two more burials in the cloister. I was surprised by the size, it’s quite small.

These are the base of the arches that would have divided the room in two.

Near the tower there is a cellar. The tower is still standing at its maximum height. It must have been impressive for those living nearby, considering its remote location.

It’s not big, but it’s lovely. It’s in a remote place with fields and livestock nearby, a box with refreshments with an honesty box, I already blogged about it in my post Weekend away in Cumbria.