| Kirkstall Abbey |
 Kirkstall Abbey, founded in 1152 on the banks of the river Aire is one of Britain’s best preserved abbeys. Home to a party of Cistercian monks, originally from Fountains Abbey that were resident up till 1539 when the dissolution of religious houses was ordered by Henry VII. The monks were pensioned-off, the roofs stripped of lead and some buildings converted for agricultural use.
The Abbey consists of four main structures: The Church:Constructed between 1152 and the late 1160s, the abbey church of Kirkstall is one of the most complete and perfect examples of early Cistercian architecture to be seen in this country, much of its original fabric surviving intact, except for a few minor alterations carried out during the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The Tower:Not the original 12th Century structure, which only attained the same height as the church roof in keeping with the ideals of austerity and simplicity promoted by the founding fathers of the Cisterian monastic order. In 1509- 27 a new tower was built. The north-west side collapsed in 1779. The Transept:On either side of the tower providing the important crucifix shape to the church. The North Transept doorway gave access to the cemetery after funeral services. A fascinating feature of the South Transept is the 'night stairs' used by monks to reach the choir from their dormitory for night vigils. The Cloisters and Chapter House:The Cloisters form one of the most tranquil corners of Leeds, a square with covered walkways where monks would sit reading and writing. The Chapter House has many carved arches and pillars and some old stone coffins.  Contact: |
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