Shap Abbey
Lying about a mile west of the village of Shap are the ruins of Shap Abbey.
The ruins are those of a 13th-century church, with a west-end tower of about 1500.
Shap Abbey was built in 1199 in a place then known as ‘Hepp’, meaning ‘Heap’, and probably referring to the stone circle nearby. (Over the years, the name of the place has changed to ‘Hiap’ and then ‘Shap’.
Furthermore, it was the last Abbey to be founded in England and the last to be dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540.
Located in a secluded yet stunning setting by the River Lowther, it can be easily accessed from the main A6 road through Shap.
The 15th-century tower and other remains can be explored with the help of information boards all around the site.
Shap Abbey is approximately 17 miles north of Kendal.
Keld Chapel
About a half-mile from Shap Abbey is the tiny, charming Keld Chapel, which is in the care of the National Trust.
This one-storey stone chapel is thought to have been a ‘chantry’ owned by the White Canons, dating from about 1350.
The custom of saying mass for those who had died became very popular in the Middle Ages. Some wealthy people even left money so that prayers could be said in perpetuity.
Religious houses became overwhelmed by this practice, so ‘chantries’ dedicated entirely to this purpose were set up.
By the late 17th century, Keld Chapel had become a private home. It was repaired in the 19th century and used to house labourers working on the nearby railway.
As mentioned earlier, the chapel is owned by the National Trust. You are free to look around the building, and the key can be obtained from the house opposite.
Where to Stay
If you are looking for a Grange-over-Sands holiday cottage with access to Shap Abbey and Keld Chapel, enquire here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is the history of Shap Abbey?
Shap Abbey was founded around 1200 by Thomas, son of Gospatric, as a Premonstratensian monastery near the River Lowther in Cumbria. It was one of 32 religious houses in Britain of this order, known for their white habits and preference for remote locations. The abbey was dissolved in 1540 during the Suppression of the Monasteries, with much of its stone repurposed for local buildings.
2) What makes Shap Abbey architecturally and culturally significant?
Shap Abbey’s most striking feature is its impressive 15th-century tower, which still stands nearly at its original height. The abbey showcases medieval monastic architecture and the remnants of its cloisters, chapels, and farming facilities. It provides valuable insight into the contemplative life and agricultural practices of the Premonstratensian canons.
3) How is Keld Chapel connected to Shap Abbey?
Keld Chapel, located in the nearby hamlet of Keld, is believed to have been built in the 16th century as a chantry chapel for Shap Abbey, where masses were said for the souls of the departed. This practice was common in pre-Reformation England, and the chapel’s ties to Shap Abbey reflect its function within local religious life.
4) Can visitors access Shap Abbey and Keld Chapel today?
Both sites are open to the public: Shap Abbey is managed by English Heritage and can be accessed year-round during daylight hours, while Keld Chapel is under the care of the National Trust. Visitors are encouraged to explore the ruins of the abbey and the quaint, rustic stone chapel; access to Keld Chapel requires obtaining a key from a nearby house.
5) What are the unique visitor experiences at Shap Abbey and Keld Chapel?
Shap Abbey offers tranquil scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for walking, picnics, and learning about monastic history via onsite information panels. Its tower and ruins are especially photogenic. Keld Chapel provides a quirky, intimate heritage experience and a glimpse into post-medieval rural faith, with its own stories of near-demolition and preservation by the local community.
Finally
If you are looking for a Grange-over-Sands holiday cottage with access to Shap Abbey and Keld Chapel, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.