Nestled along the picturesque River Swale in North Yorkshire, the impressive ruins of Easby Abbey is one of the best-preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian ‘white canons.’ This tranquil site boasts the magnificent refectory, gatehouse, and canons’ dormitory. Within the precinct, the parish church, still in use, houses rare 13th-century wall paintings.
Easby Abbey holds a distinguished place among Britain’s well-preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian order. Its foundation dates back to around 1152, courtesy of Roald, constable of Richmond. The Scrope family later became patrons of the abbey. Following its suppression in 1536, most of the buildings quickly fell into ruin. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the site captured the imagination of antiquarians and Romantic artists. The surviving structures bear witness to the abbey’s former grandeur and prosperity.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Easby Abbey’s ruins became a celebrated landmark. George Byng, Viscount Torrington, praised it as ‘a more perfect ruin’ in 1792. Easby Abbey drew the attention of artists, including the renowned JMW Turner, who depicted its beauty around 1816–18.
In the 19th century, the site garnered significant antiquarian interest. Sir William St John Hope conducted partial excavations in 1885–6 on behalf of the Society of Antiquaries (see Research). The Jaques family maintained ownership until 1930 when the Ministry of Works took guardianship.
Open daily from April to October, 10 am to 6 pm.
Some parts of the site may be uneven and muddy. Stairs and steps exist within the ruins.
The car park is conveniently signposted off the B6271, with the abbey adjacent to it. Consider contributing £1 or £2 to St Agatha’s.
Nearby Richmond Castle offers a shop and toilets. Richmond town provides public toilets and various dining options.
Dogs on leads are welcome.
From 9th April to 31st October, guided tours are available every Sunday. Visitors can join these tours on the day, first-come, first-served. Alternatively, pre-booking is possible by emailing Kate.Streatfield@english-heritage.org.uk. Please note that tour availability depends on volunteer availability and may be affected by severe weather conditions.
Easby Abbey is FREE to all.