Byland Abbey

Founded as a Savigniac abbey in January 1135 it was absorbed by the Cistercian order in 1147. It wasn’t an easy start for the community who had had to move five times before settling at New Byland, near Coxwold in 1177. Its early history was marked by disputes with no fewer than four other religious establishments: (Furness Abbey, Calder Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and Newburgh Priory). However, once it had overcome this bad start, it was described in the late 14th century as “one of the three shining lights of the north”. Its financial success was not as great as that of places like Rievaulx, but it was famed for its sheep rearing and wool exports. Its church was said to be among the finest 12th-century churches in Europe, and is said to have inspired the design of the famous York Minster rose window. The community experienced mixed fortunes throughout the Middle Ages. Some of the monks’ misfortunes were of their own making, others were caused by external factors including war, famine and plague. At the time of the Dissolution Byland was valued at £238 9s 4d and, according to the duke of Norfolk, exercised more hospitality than any other house in the region.