Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse

The enormous and ornate fortified gatehouse of Thornton Abbey is among the finest surviving in Britain. An early example of brick building, it proclaimed the prosperity of one of the wealthiest English Augustinian monasteries. Built in the nervous years following the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, it may also have protected the abbey’s treasures, as well as providing lodgings for the abbot and his guests. Within the grounds stand the remains of the monastic buildings, notably the elegantly decorated octagonal chapter house of 1282-1308.

From July 2007 the magnificent gatehouse will be open daily, including a new exhibition offering greater insight into the abbey’s history from its foundation to the present day, and new features revealed following restoration work.