30 December 1150 A.D. (PICTURES) Homcultram Abbey, Abbeytown,
Cumbria, UK—Founded by Cistercian Monks & Henry, Son of David 1, King of Scotland,
on 30 Dec 1150 from Melrose, Scotland;
Church in Parochial Use Since 1538 Until an Arson Incident 9 Jun
2006; Currently Roofless, Boarded-up,
& Awaiting Restoration: 315 Miles NW of London by 2200 as the Crow Flies
No author. “Holme Cultram Abbey.”
Visit Cumbria. N.d. http://www.visitcumbria.com/wc/holme-cultram-abbey/. Accessed 4 Dec 2014.
Holme Cultram Abbey
Location : Abbeytown
Grid Ref : NY 177508
Holme
Cultram Abbey was founded in 1150 by the Cistercian Monks from Melrose Abbey on
the Scottish Borders. In the 15th Century the abbey was much larger than it is
today, in fact it was bigger than Carlisle Cathedral. In 1538 with the
dissolution of the monasteries the land passed to the Crown, and the monks were
dispersed. The centre of the Abbey has survived as the Parish Church, with the
rest of the Abbey falling into disrepair.
The
Church you see today, 6 of the 9 bays of the nave of the original Abbey, is the
result of restoration begun in 1703, and further work done in 1883 and 1913.
There is a wonderful Norman arch at the west doorway, and a fine arcade of
pillars in the side walls. There are fragments of tombstones, inscriptions,
medieval tiles and masonry in the porch which are worth studying. The stained
glass windows are also worth studying – there are many – by Wailes and Strang,
Powell of Whitefriars, and E & C O’Neill. The five light East window is by
William Wailes.
See a short movie of the Abbey as it was before the fire. Donald Foster, the organist for 30 years, plays “How great thou art”.
The Abbey desperately needs funds to help with the restoration.
You can help by giving via justgiving or give by text by
texting the code: RISE06 to 70070, with a donation amount of £1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or £10.
Related links :
- Holme Cultram Abbey - from Holme St Cuthbert History Group
Menu :
Reivers Trail
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