Browse Locations » United Kingdom » North of England » Furness Abbey
Furness Abbey
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Furness Abbey
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“Furness abbey was established by Stephen, later to become King of England, between Barrow and Dalton in what is known as the ‘Vale of Nightshade’. Its ruins include much of the east end and west tower of the church, along with the ornately decorated chapter house, and the cloister buildings. The monks of Furness Abbey were the most powerful body in the remote border they settled, about 50 miles down the coast from Scotland. Because of their position, they occasionally found themselves sandwiched between the warring Scots and English. As a consequence, when Robert the Bruce invaded England, the abbot supported him rather than risk the wealth and power of the abbey. The Abbey did a brisk business in wool and iron, and to protect the wealth that this brought and their trade routes, they built a sturdy castle at nearby Piel Island, positioned in a perfect natural harbour whose huge ruined keep stands proud today by the shore. Once rich and powerful, the abbey now stands is romantic ruins which, following a visit, William Wordsworth described in his famous poem, The Prelude; "...a mouldering Pile, with fractured arch, belfry, and images, and living trees, A holy scene!” It now lies in ruins – its end made certain by Henry VIII at which point it was one of the richest monasteries in the country and after which it was gradually dismantled. ”
Cumbria
LA13 0PJ
Visit Website
1 Apr-30 Sep: daily 10-5pm
1-31 Oct: Thu-Mon 10-4pm
1 Nov-20 Mar: Thu-Sun 10-4pm
Adult: £3.50
Child: £1.80
Concession: £2.60
See more Place of Worships in North of England:
- Brinkburn Priory
- Byland Abbey
- Durham Cathedral
- Furness Abbey
- Kirkham Priory
- Lanercost Priory
- Lindisfarne Priory
- Mount Grace Priory
- Rievaulx Abbey
- Rievaulx Terrace & Temples
- Roche Abbey
- St. Peter's Church
- Thornton Abbey
- Whitby Abbey
- York Minster
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