Explore the History of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness
What made a group of 12th-century monks abandon their first home and start again from scratch, a few miles down the road?
Tucked away on the Furness Peninsula in Cumbria, Furness Abbey spent much of the Middle Ages in quiet isolation.
Even so, it grew into the wealthiest monastery in north-west England.
Much of that grandeur can still be seen among the ruins, but the stones keep quiet about the intrigue that unfolded within the abbey walls.
At a Glance
- Founded: 1124 at Tulketh, near Preston; relocated in 1127 to the Vale of Nightshade near Barrow-in-Furness
- Founder: Stephen, Count of Boulogne and later King of England
- Original order: Savigniac monks, absorbed into the Cistercian order in 1147
- Status by the 15th century: second richest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in England, after Fountains Abbey
- Dissolved: 1537, under Henry VIII
- Managed today by: English Heritage, open daily
- Distance from Kents Bank Holiday Cottage: around 40 minutes by car
Step back in time as you wander through the ruins of Furness Abbey, a medieval monastery dating back to the 12th century.
The Abbey is still the largest structure in Cumbria that is built out of Red Triassic sandstones.
From Tulketh to the Vale of Nightshade
The Abbey wasn’t always in Barrow-in-Furness. It was founded by Stephen, Earl of Moreton and Boulogne, afterwards King of England, but its first home was at Tulketh, near Preston, in 1124.
The monks were of the order of Savigny in Normandy, an offshoot of the Benedictine Order.
Tulketh didn’t work out. In 1127, the monks moved to the Vale of Nightshade instead, just over a mile from Barrow-in-Furness.
It was the right choice. The valley offered peaceful seclusion, timber, red sandstone, and fresh water, all within easy reach of the coast, along with the strategic benefit of coastal access for trade.
This magnificent red sandstone ruin of St Mary’s Abbey is set in the peaceful wooded Vale of Bekansgill.
The walls of the choir, transepts, and west (belfry) tower peak almost to their original height.
Renowned poet William Wordsworth aptly dubbed the setting the ‘vale of nightshade,’ capturing the mystique of this historical landmark.
Wealth, Power, and a Merger the Monks Didn’t Want
Once standing as one of England’s wealthiest Cistercian monasteries, Furness Abbey boasts a fascinating history steeped in prosperity and cultural significance.
The monastery’s affluence derived from diverse sources such as farming, controlled fishing, and the production of grain and leather.
These economic activities contributed to its prominence during its heyday.
Nestled in a tranquil valley, the remnants of the 12th-century Abbey, composed of majestic red sandstones, evoke a sense of awe.
The soaring ruins, witnesses to nearly 900 years of history, exude an undeniable grandeur.
They stand as a testament to the flourishing community that once thrived within the walls of this opulent abbey.
Numerous well-preserved structures make up the Abbey, including the Outer Court, the Church with its North and South Transept and Tower, the Cloister Court, the Chapter House, the dormitory, the infirmary, and the kitchen.
These buildings offer a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the medieval era.
Founded by Count (later King) Stephen of Boulogne around 1125, the Abbey transformed, adopting the Cistercian style, distinct from the original Savignac architecture.
That transformation wasn’t entirely welcome. In 1147, all Savigniac monasteries were absorbed into the larger Cistercian order.
Peter of York, abbot of Furness at the time, resisted the merger, but the Pope overruled him.
The Cistercians followed a strict, ascetic way of life.
When the abbey church was rebuilt to meet their standards, it set the architectural tone for most of the ruins you see today, largely dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Trade, Territory, and Two Scottish Raids
The development extended to Walney Island, where the Abbey established a harbour to facilitate trade in wool and iron.
The Abbey soon began to amass great wealth through trade and industry.
Additionally, a protective castle was erected at Piel Island, underscoring the strategic importance of Furness Abbey.
Despite its economic success, the Abbey faced adversity, enduring raids by the Scots on two occasions.
When Robert the Bruce’s Scottish forces came south, the abbot reportedly paid to keep the abbey safe.
Its resilience prevailed until the tumultuous period of Henry VIII’s dissolution of monasteries.
Murder Within the Abbey Walls
Behind the peaceful setting, there was darker intrigue. Around 1246, Abbot Laurence Acclorne was allegedly murdered by three of his own monks, who poisoned the chalice he used at High Mass.
It’s a story the silent red sandstone doesn’t tell, but it adds an extra chill to a walk through the cloisters.
Bow Bridge and the Old Railway Walk
Look out for Bow Bridge, a 15th-century stone bridge that once carried a packhorse route up to the Abbey. It’s a lovely, easy detour if you’re exploring the grounds.
If you have more time, the old railway trackbed makes for a pleasant walk from here into nearby Dalton-in-Furness.
The Dissolution
Furness Abbey was selected as the inaugural large abbey to be dissolved, marking the end of an era.
Over the years, extensive restoration efforts have breathed new life into the 500-year-old structure, preserving its architectural marvels.
However, in 1537, during the English Reformation under Henry VIII’s orders, parts of the Abbey succumbed to destruction, leaving behind the captivating ruins we see today.
Conveniently located just 40 minutes away from Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands by car, Furness Abbey invites visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring the remnants of a once-thriving and opulent religious institution.
Immerse yourself in the history, architecture, and cultural significance that define this remarkable landmark.
Where to Stay
If you are looking for a pet-friendly holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday cottage in Grange-over-Sands
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call at 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay.
Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on your relaxing holiday near Furness Abbey, and the Lake District.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is Furness Abbey and where is it located?
Furness Abbey, also known as St Mary of Furness, is a ruined medieval monastery set in a wooded valley on the northern edge of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. It sits in the so‑called “Vale of Nightshade”, just south of Dalton-in-Furness, surrounded by green fields and mature trees.
2) When was Furness Abbey founded?
The abbey was founded in 1123 by Stephen, Count of Boulogne, who later became King Stephen of England. It was originally home to monks of the Savigniac order before becoming a Cistercian monastery later in the 12th century.
3) Why is Furness Abbey historically important?
By the 15th century, Furness Abbey had grown into the second richest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in England, only behind Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire. The monks controlled large estates, were involved in mining local iron ore, farming and fisheries, and helped shape the early economy of Furness.
4) What can visitors see at Furness Abbey today?
Visitors can explore extensive red sandstone ruins including parts of the church, presbytery, transepts, cloister and surrounding monastic buildings. Many walls still stand to impressive heights, and information panels and displays in the English Heritage visitor centre explain abbey life and recent archaeological finds.
5) Who manages Furness Abbey and is there a visitor centre?
Furness Abbey is managed by English Heritage, which maintains the ruins and grounds as a public attraction. There is a small English Heritage visitor centre with stone carvings, effigies and a gift shop, as well as tickets and information for your visit.
6) What are the opening times for Furness Abbey?
Typical opening hours are around 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 16:00 at weekends, with shorter hours in the winter season. The abbey usually closes on 24–26 December and 1 January, so it is always best to check the latest times and seasonal changes before you travel.
7) Is there parking at Furness Abbey?
There is a free car park next to the visitor centre with space for approximately 20–30 cars. Additional free parking is available at the nearby Abbey Mill café at the far end of the site, which is handy at busier times.
8) How do you get to Furness Abbey by public transport?
Regular trains run to Barrow-in-Furness, from where you can take a short taxi ride or walk out to the abbey. Local Stagecoach bus services, including routes 6 and X6, stop within about three-quarters of a mile of Furness Abbey, making it accessible without a car.
9) Is Furness Abbey family friendly?
Furness Abbey is a family-friendly site with plenty of space for children to explore the ruins and grassy areas under supervision. The mix of dramatic arches, history boards and easy walking makes it an engaging stop for families visiting Barrow-in-Furness and Dalton-in-Furness.
10) Are there facilities and accessibility provisions on site?
Facilities include the visitor centre, toilets and level paths around key parts of the ruins, along with nearby refreshments at the Abbey Mill café. The car park is close to the entrance and English Heritage provides information on step-free areas and accessibility so visitors with limited mobility can plan their route.