Kirkstead Abbey

Kirkstead Abbey is a Cistercian monastery ruin in the Lincolnshire countryside with a surviving south transept wall that rises prominently. The site sits near St Leonard's Chapel, where carved stones from the original structure are kept for viewing.

Hugh Brito founded the abbey in 1139 but relocated it in 1187 due to poor conditions at the original location. The community maintained strong ties with Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, which sent the initial monastic settlement.

The monastery served as a working center where monks engaged in craft production beyond religious duties. The remains of kilns scattered across the grounds reflect how monastic communities supported themselves through practical skills.

The ruins are accessible via a designated footpath that connects to St Leonard's Chapel and is easy to navigate. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven in places around the site.

The grounds contain remains of medieval pottery kilns that reveal the monks ran a sophisticated ceramic operation. Archaeological finds from the northern and western sections show how productive this monastic craft industry actually was.

Location: Woodhall Spa

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 53.13880,-0.22459

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06