The Abbey is one of the few Catholic buildings that was allowed to remain standing after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, with the building kept and used for agricultural purposes instead. Despite only ruins remaining at the site, Kirkstall Abbey is still the most complete Cistercian monument in Britain to this day.
Find out more about Kirkstall Abbey’s interesting history below.
1. Founded in 1152
Kirkstall Abbey was founded during King Henry II's reign by a group of Catholic monks, who made a living from keeping sheep near the building for use in the wool trade. Photo: Tony Johnson
2. Surrendered to Henry VIII in 1540
In November 1540 the abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII as part of the dissolution of the monasteries. Luckily most of the building was left intact, with the site being used for agricultural purposes instead. Photo: Steve Riding
3. Church still stands to roof level
The church still stands to roof level, making it the most complete set of Cistercian ruins in Britain. Pictured here is the abbey in March 1948. Photo: YPN
4. Parts of the abbey were used to build steps at Leeds Bridge
Much of the stone at the abbey was removed for re-use in other buildings in Leeds, including the steps leading to the river bank by Leeds Bridge. Photo: TONY JOHNSON
5. Painted by the greats
During the 18th century the ruins attracted artists from the Romantic movement. Kirkstall Abbey was painted by artists including J. M. W. Turner, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Girtin. Photo: Steve Riding
6. Given to Leeds City Council in 1889
In 1889 the abbey was sold to Colonel John North, who presented it to Leeds City Council. The council then began a restoration project and the abbey was opened to the public again six years later. Photo: Steve Riding