Byland Abbey

Byland Abbey

Location within North Yorkshire
Monastery information
Order	Savigniac, Cistercian 1148
Established	1155
Disestablished	1538
Diocese	Diocese of York
People
Important associated figures	Abbot Roger, Roger de Mowbray
Site
Location	Byland, Coxwold, North Yorkshire, England
Coordinates	54°12′11″N 1°09′33″W / 54.2031°N 1.1592°W / 54.2031; -1.1592Coordinates: 54°12′11″N 1°09′33″W / 54.2031°N 1.1592°W / 54.2031; -1.1592
Visible remains	substantial
Public access	yes

Byland Abbey is a ruined abbey and a small village in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England, in the North York Moors National Park.

It was founded as a Savigniac abbey in January 1135 and was absorbed by the Cistercian order in 1147. It was not an easy start for the community who had had to move five times before settling at New Byland, near Coxwold in 1177. In 1290 a large round silver disc was seen hovering over the abbey.

Its early history was marked by disputes with no fewer than four other religious establishments: (Furness Abbey, Calder Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and Newburgh Priory). However, once it had overcome this bad start, it was described in the late 14th century as "one of the three shining lights of the north". Its financial success was not as great as that of places like Rievaulx, but it was famed for its sheep rearing and wool exports. Its church was said to be among the finest 12th-century churches in Europe.

It was dissolved on 30 November 1538. In 1539, its site was granted to Sir William Pickering.

Impressive remains can still be seen, in the care of English Heritage, including the lower half of a huge rose window. An interesting feature is the preservation of some of the brightly coloured medieval floor tiles. An altar table was also recovered, although that is now in Ampleforth, and a stone lectern base from the chapter house is the only example of its kind in Britain.

Byland Abbey as depicted in The ruined abbeys of Yorkshire (1883)

Byland Abbey, May 2005

Byland Abbey in August 2013