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.
. 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
. 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
7. Grade I listed building
The abbey is now a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument. A £5.5 million renovation programme in recent years created a new visitor centre with reveals the history of the abbey and the lives of the monks. Photo: MEL HULME