Kirkstall Abbey

[poliphilo]

Kirkstall Abbey is a Cistercian house on the outskirts of Leeds- and one of the best preserved monastic ruins in the country. Last time we were here- about ten years ago- it was looking a bit scruffy, but they've since spent £5.5 million doing it up. It's owned by Leeds Council- and admission is free.



The Abbey Church from the north



Church interior, looking East.



North transcept



North East corner of clositer



North range of cloister, with entrance to chapter house

Comments

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

Ooh! Very nice. It's quite a chunky beast, isn't it? Though I suppose that's not surprising because it is so unashamedly Romanesque (we never made it to Perpendicular in Scotland...).

Thanks for that - it's not one I've heard of before and you certainly gave us a feast of views!!

It's in not bad nick considering, either...

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I love the Romanesque. It's altogether my favourite architectural style.

Setting aside the ones that are still in use- as cathedrals etc- I reckon Kirkstall is the second best preserved monastery in England- the first being Fountains.

[endlessrarities.livejournal.com]

We're planning to visit Fountains in a couple of months. I'm rather looking forward to it. Last time I went there I was fifteen and completely clueless about all things historical.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Kirkstall was a daughter house of Fountains. They're
not all that far apart.