 Thornton Abbey
Colonised from Kirkham Priory in North Yorkshire, the Augustinian house at Thornton
was founded in 1139 by William le Gros. Less than 10 years later it
was raised to the status of an abbey, and in 1518 became a mitred abbey.
Thornton Abbey's remains can be found today at the end of a quiet lane,
but instead of being secluded among the lush Lincolnshire countryside
they stand against a backdrop of 20th century industrial
plant scattered along the banks of the River Humber.
But the visitor cannot
fail to be impressed with the massive brick-built gatehouse as it looms
into sight like some sturdy, military fortress guarding the entrance
to the abbey site. This imposing monastic gatehouse, built at the end
of the 14th century, is an extraordinary structure that
remains virtually intact. Between the four tall turrets above the central
vaulted archway, the façade is covered with canopies and niches that once held
statues of saints but the crenellated parapets were adorned with soldiers,
tradesmen and scientists. The upper floors of the gatehouse were thought
to have been occupied by the abbots of Thornton Abbey, and several fireplaces
and garderobes can be seen throughout the building. The large first
floor room now houses a collection of stonework carvings discovered
on site during an excavation of the abbey.
Nothing has survived of the
first abbey church, and of the 13th/14th century rebuilding
only the foundation plan is now visible with the exception of the south
transept. One wall stands to almost full height and there are fragments
of a chapel, but adjoining this wall are the beautiful remains of the
13th century octagonal chapter house. Two complete sides
of the building survive to show some magnificent blank arcading and
geometrical tracery. All other monastic buildings have either disappeared,
or consist of little more than low masonry indicating their existence.
When Thornton Abbey was dissolved
in 1539 it was held under the guardianship of the last prior for the next
two years, before being re-founded by Henry VIII as a college of secular
canons. The new house lasted for just six years and after its dissolution
the site was granted to the Bishop of Lincoln. Passing through many hands,
the site was partly demolished, a stately hall and farmhouse built during
the 17th century out of stone quarried from the abbey church,
and an early 19th century excavation was carried out before
being put in the care of English Heritage.
Life at Thornton Abbey appeared
to be relatively uneventful, and few notable events have been recorded
in the abbey's chronicle. What is interesting is the amount of detail
given about the structure and decoration of the monastery during the major
rebuilding programme. It is apparent that Thornton Abbey was a wealthy
establishment but why the gatehouse was built in such a grand and fortified
manner is unexplained. |
