Kirkstall Abbey

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(Following description by Wikipedia) Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery to the west of Leeds city centre in West Yorkshire, set in grounds which are now a public park on the north bank of the River Aire. It was founded c.1152 and was over seventy five years in construction. It was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the auspices of Henry VIII. The ruins have been drawn and painted by artists such as J.M.W. Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Sell Cotman. On 22 November 1539 the abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII's commissioners in the Dissolution of the monasteries. In 1671 it passed into the hands of the Brudenell family, Earls of Cardigan. Much of the stone was removed for re-use in other buildings in the area, including the steps leading to Leeds Bridge. During the 18th century the picturesque ruins attracted artists of the Romantic movement and were painted by artists including Turner. In 1889 the abbey was sold to Colonel John North, who presented it to Leeds City Council. The Council undertook a major restoration project and the abbey was opened to the public in 1895. #abbey #britain #christian #church #damo #england #europe #kingdom #kirkstall #leeds #monastery #religion #religious #uk #yorkshire