Shap Abbey

From the English Heritage sign: "This abbey, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, was founded in the late 12th century. The monks here were of the Premonstratensian Order, known as "White Canons" because of the simple white habits they wore.

The abbey was endowed by a Westmoreland baron, Thomas, son of Gospatric. It was not a large establishment; the abbot governed a community of only about 12 canons. However, the abbey held lands throughout the old county of Westmoreland, including the parishes of Shap, Warcop and Bampton.

After the closure of the abbey by King Henry VII in 1540, the abbot and his canons were sent away, but each received a pension. The abbot's pention was £40 a year, which would have been a large sum of money then. The abbey lands were sold, part of the buildings converted into a farm, and the remainder unroofed and allowed to decay.

DSCN1888.jpg 2/6/2004 6:34:06 PM 106.88 Kb 31Jan04. Shap Abbey tower.	DSCN1889.jpg 2/6/2004 6:34:06 PM 107.79 Kb 31Jan04. Floorplan of Shap Abbey The tower is on the lower right.	dscn1892a.jpg 2/6/2004 6:34:32 PM 84.42 Kb 31Jan04. Shap Abbey pano in the rain.
DSCN1894.jpg 2/6/2004 6:34:06 PM 124.43 Kb 31Jan04. Shap Abbey, still raining.