One of North Lincolnshire's greatest treasures is Thornton Abbey standing proud on the Wolds, a few minutes drive from Barton upon Humber. The ornate fortified gatehouse of the abbey is among the finest surviving in Britain. It is an early example of brick building that proclaimed the prosperity of one of the wealthiest Augustinian monasteries.
Built in the nervous years following the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, the gatehouse may also have protected the abbey's treasures, as well as providing lodging for the abbot and his guests. With an intricate network of passages, large rooms and small cells the gatehouse is a wonder to discover.
Within the grounds of the abbey precinct stand the remains of the monastic buildings, notably the elegantly decorated octagonal chapter house of 1282-1308. Visitors to the abbey are able to wander around the ruins and imagine how the buildings might once have looked.
Following restoration work, an exciting new exhibition opened in 2007 that offers a greater insight into the abbey's history. Many events have taken place at the abbey over its long history. Henry VIII stayed at the abbey with Katherine Howard in 1541 shortly after the dissolution to hold a meeting of the Privy Council. The abbey closed in 1539 but was then refounded as a secular college.
Regrettably, much of the stone was removed from the site in the 17th century for use in local buildings but the atmospheric ruins give a stark reminder of past times.
Opening times
2009
1 April - 30 June
Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm
1 July to 31 August
Daily: 10am to 5pm
1 September to 31 March 2010
Friday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
The abbey is closed 24 to 26 December and 1 January 2010.
Prices
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Adult: £4
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Concession: £3.40
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Children: £2.
Free to English Heritage members.
For more information call 01469 541445.