Kirkstall Abbey
RELIGIOUS HOUSES OF THE
BARON'S OF PONTEFRACT
RELIGIOUS HOUSES OF THE
BARON'S OF PONTEFRACT
Since the days when Rollo signed an oath with King Phillip of France pledging he and his followers would renounce all Pagan faiths and convert to Christianity. The family's of Normandy like similar middle ages countries became devout followers.
Their religion became based on a mix of fear and favour. Christian support to the church was given as much on expectations of reward not only in heaven but also on this earth. But the fear of hell (and the incumbent Pope) was always never far away. Christianity in the middle ages was not a faith of compassion.
The de Lacy family from Ilbert through to Robert de Lacy (II) were always a Northern Powerhouse. Their faith and skills in politics measured by the grandeur of some of the religious houses they established. When followed by Roger de Lacy who spent much of his life in the company of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), the Pontefract de Lacys then through Rogers son John and his great-grandson Henry (both Earls of Lincoln) became influential members of the Royal court of England. But for the fact that Henry de Lacy left no heir who knows how far this family would have grown.
Their religion became based on a mix of fear and favour. Christian support to the church was given as much on expectations of reward not only in heaven but also on this earth. But the fear of hell (and the incumbent Pope) was always never far away. Christianity in the middle ages was not a faith of compassion.
The de Lacy family from Ilbert through to Robert de Lacy (II) were always a Northern Powerhouse. Their faith and skills in politics measured by the grandeur of some of the religious houses they established. When followed by Roger de Lacy who spent much of his life in the company of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), the Pontefract de Lacys then through Rogers son John and his great-grandson Henry (both Earls of Lincoln) became influential members of the Royal court of England. But for the fact that Henry de Lacy left no heir who knows how far this family would have grown.
Within the upper Baily of Pontefract Castle St Clements. The personal Chaple of the de Lacy family.
While up to four chapels had been built within the outer bounds of Pontefract Castle, the site of only two can still be seen. The Anglo Saxon chapel by the Car Park (see also All Saints Church details) and the better known St Clements Chaple which is within the upper bailey its foundations are easy to view by visitors. What makes St Clements unique is that it was the personal place of worship for the de Lacy family its construction was about 1080 while Pontefract Castle was still a Motte & Baily castle. The inset picture shows how the original chapel would have appeared to the de Lacy family.
All Saints Church Pontefract
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Built on the site of a former Anglo Saxon Church, Then rebuilt by the early de Lacy family as a place of worship for the people of Pontefract. 'The core of the nave and chancel is probably 12th or 13th century' (Ryder 1993, 169).
Now a large medieval shell reduced to a roofless ruin during the Civil War sieges due to its close proximity to Pontefract castle. In 1967 a new nave was built within the shell of the original All Saints now offering the convenience of a modern church within a magnificent medieval structure. This then was the parish church of Pontefract before St Giles took precedence in 1789, but later All Saints became an independent parish. If visiting the castle particularly if you are using the castle car park. you should at least have a look round the exterior of All Saints. Still, by the car park you can see the site of a Saxon church that has been excavated still within the castle grounds but below the upper bailey, it is opposite the white house between the castle and All Saints. |
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St Giles Church Pontefract Market Place There has been a church building in Pontefract Market Place since at least the 12th Century, when a chapel-of-ease, St. Mary’s in the Market Place, was built by the Norman baronial de Lacy family and used by the monks of St Johns Priory, Pontefract. The original building was enlarged over the centuries and the name changed to St. Giles. Photo by Kenneth Simon. Note They do a nice cup of Tea or Coffee on Market days. (wednesday and Saturday |
Pontefract Priory or Pontefract Friary?
The answer is both
The answer is both
Pontefract Priory was a Cluniac monastery dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, founded about 1090 by Robert de Lacy, 2nd Baron of Pontefract, and located in Pontefract Yorkshire, England. It existed until the dissolution of the monasteries. The Church, site and buildings have been completely destroyed, but the site is still known today by the name Monk-hill.
The Priory was a dependency of the Abbey of La Charité-sur-Loire, which supplied the first monks. Two charters of the founder are cited in history by William Dugdale. In a charter of Henry de Lacy, 4th Baron of Pontefract the son of Robert in which the church is spoken of as dedicated to St. Mary and St. John. These donations were finally confirmed to the monastery by a Bull of Pope Celestine (whether II or III is uncertain), which also conferred certain ecclesiastical privileges on the priory.
The Priory had 16 monks in 1262 and 27 in 1279. At the latter date, a prior of exceptional ability was in charge of the house, and he is commended for his zeal during the twelve years of his rule, which had resulted in a reduction of the monastery's debts from 3200 marks to 350. Pontefract Priory had become an important Priory within the Cluniac order.A later, undated, visitation return gives the average number of monks at 20. (1322) Thomas, Earl of Lancaster had been beheaded at Pontefract, his body buried in the priory church on the right hand of the high altar.
The Priory was a dependency of the Abbey of La Charité-sur-Loire, which supplied the first monks. Two charters of the founder are cited in history by William Dugdale. In a charter of Henry de Lacy, 4th Baron of Pontefract the son of Robert in which the church is spoken of as dedicated to St. Mary and St. John. These donations were finally confirmed to the monastery by a Bull of Pope Celestine (whether II or III is uncertain), which also conferred certain ecclesiastical privileges on the priory.
The Priory had 16 monks in 1262 and 27 in 1279. At the latter date, a prior of exceptional ability was in charge of the house, and he is commended for his zeal during the twelve years of his rule, which had resulted in a reduction of the monastery's debts from 3200 marks to 350. Pontefract Priory had become an important Priory within the Cluniac order.A later, undated, visitation return gives the average number of monks at 20. (1322) Thomas, Earl of Lancaster had been beheaded at Pontefract, his body buried in the priory church on the right hand of the high altar.
St Richard's Friary, also known as Pontefract Friary, a Dominican Friary created in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England. The Friary was located near today's Pontefract General Infirmary, on the eastern edge of Friarwood Valley Gardens.
Founded in 1256 on land donated by Edmund de Lacy 8th Baron of Pontefract in honour of Richard de Wych, Bishop of Chichester on 6 acres of land at the edge of the town. Richard de Wych had been teacher then mentor to Edmund de Lacy. Pontefract town centre was by then already too densely built to offer a sufficiently big building site. The Dominican Order, also known as Black Friars, were a mendicant order without property, Land, building materials, food, and clothing were given to them as an act of charity. The friars of Pontefract were allowed to preach and beg, in a territory encompassed by Pontefract, Rotherham and Wakefield, and Pope John XXII awarded them in 1330 the right to preach, hear confessions, and conduct funerals. The heart of Edmund de Lacy was buried in the Dominican church. In 1269 the friary was the place of arbitrations of disputes between the Cluniac monks of Pontefract and Monk Bretton. Multiple bequests were made to the benefit of the Friary A number of notable persons were buried in the grounds. The friary also served as overflow accommodation on the occasion of a royal visit to Pontefract Castle.
King Henry VIII of England ordered the friary to be dissolved in 1538. The buildings were stripped and demolished, valuables were sold, and the land reverted to agricultural use, in particular, the cultivation of liquorice, until the spread of Pontefract hospital across the site in the late 1890s. Remains of the buildings lie today under the site of the demolished former hospital.
Founded in 1256 on land donated by Edmund de Lacy 8th Baron of Pontefract in honour of Richard de Wych, Bishop of Chichester on 6 acres of land at the edge of the town. Richard de Wych had been teacher then mentor to Edmund de Lacy. Pontefract town centre was by then already too densely built to offer a sufficiently big building site. The Dominican Order, also known as Black Friars, were a mendicant order without property, Land, building materials, food, and clothing were given to them as an act of charity. The friars of Pontefract were allowed to preach and beg, in a territory encompassed by Pontefract, Rotherham and Wakefield, and Pope John XXII awarded them in 1330 the right to preach, hear confessions, and conduct funerals. The heart of Edmund de Lacy was buried in the Dominican church. In 1269 the friary was the place of arbitrations of disputes between the Cluniac monks of Pontefract and Monk Bretton. Multiple bequests were made to the benefit of the Friary A number of notable persons were buried in the grounds. The friary also served as overflow accommodation on the occasion of a royal visit to Pontefract Castle.
King Henry VIII of England ordered the friary to be dissolved in 1538. The buildings were stripped and demolished, valuables were sold, and the land reverted to agricultural use, in particular, the cultivation of liquorice, until the spread of Pontefract hospital across the site in the late 1890s. Remains of the buildings lie today under the site of the demolished former hospital.
Nostell Priory a 12th-century Augustinian foundation, dedicated to St Oswald, supported initially by Robert de Lacy of Pontefract as a protected Hermit area. As part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the priory was closed in 1540.
We move Eastwards now to
Selby Abbey
Selby Abbey
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Selby Abbey now an Anglican parish church in the town of Selby, North Yorkshire, England. Only its grandeur speaks of its glorious past.
Founded by Benedict of Auxerre in 1069 and subsequently built by Ilbert de Lacy as the first Norman Abbey to be built in the North of England. Only the degree of mutual trust that Ilbert had established with the local population allowed the building to go ahead so soon after the “Harrowing of the North”. Selby Abbey was the very first abbey established in the north of England following the Norman Conquest. Those must have been nervous times for the builders, as the North was not quick to acknowledge the new Norman authority. With the death of Abbott Benedict in 1097, Hugh de Lacy the youngest son of Ilbert a loyal follower of Benedict for over 20 years became the 2nd Abbott, a position he held until his death in 1123. On 31 May 1256, the Abbey was bestowed with the grant of a Mitre by Pope Alexander IV and remained a "Mitred Abbey" until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII and Cromwell. The Abbey was held in such high regard that it was allowed to escape the Cromwell demolition gangs by being allowed to change its status to Selby Parish Church thus allowing us the opportunity to visit an intact Abbey and not a ruin. The Washington Window For my American de Lacy family and friends you will find of interest the Abbeys connection with George Washington no less. You will see above the chancel in the south clerestory the Washington Window. Following an endowment in the 14th century to the Abbey by the Washington family The14th-century Washington coat of arms contains three stars above red and white stripes and is one of the first known representations of the stars and stripes pattern later used for the US flag. Because of the Washington connection, Selby Abbey is on the 'American Trail' of attractions around the UK |
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North West of Leeds, West Yorkshire
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey
Henry de Lacy 4th Baron of Pontefract lay on his sickbed at Pontefract Castle. In his prayers, he made a vow to St Mary that if he recovered he would build a monastery and dedicate it to the saint. Good to his word on his recovery he donated lands at Barnoldswick to enable Monks from Fountains Abbey to establish a new abbey.
The site proved unsuitable and, Baron Henry agreed to Abbot Alexandra finding a new home for the monastery and once located in 1152 the Abbot under the patronage of Henry de Lacy commenced building Kirkstall Abbey.
The new Abbey flourished and both the extended community of monks grew, and the local people benefited from their new Abbey. On 22 November 1539, the abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII's commissioners in the Dissolution of the monasteries suffering the same fate as most English Monasteries.
Today, following a 3.5 million lottery grant Kirkstall Abbey is a popular venue for visitors from all over the world. Here is a link to Wikipedia to find out more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkstall_Abbey
The site proved unsuitable and, Baron Henry agreed to Abbot Alexandra finding a new home for the monastery and once located in 1152 the Abbot under the patronage of Henry de Lacy commenced building Kirkstall Abbey.
The new Abbey flourished and both the extended community of monks grew, and the local people benefited from their new Abbey. On 22 November 1539, the abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII's commissioners in the Dissolution of the monasteries suffering the same fate as most English Monasteries.
Today, following a 3.5 million lottery grant Kirkstall Abbey is a popular venue for visitors from all over the world. Here is a link to Wikipedia to find out more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkstall_Abbey
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To North East Lancashire and
the de Lacy Honour of Clitheroe
the de Lacy Honour of Clitheroe
From the de Lacy Lancashire stronghold of Clitheroe Castle a further group of de Lacy Religious Houses
The Honour of Clitheroe was awarded in addition to the Honour of Pontefract to the de Lacy Pontefract family by William the Conqueror and in some parts by his son King William II (Red Rufus). The Honour comprised of Manors and Land within The Forests of both Bowland and Blackburnshire covering on its eastern boundaries almost half of modern-day Lancashire. The de Lacy family administered this vast estate from Clitheroe Castle. While not as well documented as de Lacy religious houses within the Honour of Pontefract. The family actively supported their creation.
Barnoldswick In 1147 a Cistercian monastery was founded there by monks from Fountains Abbey with the support of Henry de Lacy 4th Baron of Pontefract. However, they left the unfinished site after six years, and before construction was complete. They were driven out by crop failures on the sparse land. With the help of Henry de Lacy, the monks went on to build Kirkstall Abbey. Ten years later they returned to build this isolated Church of St Mary-le-Ghyll close to the road between Barnoldswick and Thornton in Cravendale
St Bartholomew's Church Colne.
The church of St Bartholomew's Church in the town of Colne in Lancashire, England.
Today an active Anglican parish church in the Diocese of Blackburn. There has been a church on the site since Robert de Lacy founded the first church in the 12th century
The church of St Bartholomew's Church in the town of Colne in Lancashire, England.
Today an active Anglican parish church in the Diocese of Blackburn. There has been a church on the site since Robert de Lacy founded the first church in the 12th century
In the 12th century. Robert de Lacy granted the manor of Accrington to the monks of Kirkstall Abbey. In the process of building a grange, the monks removed the inhabitants to make room for the building. The locals took their revenge and set fire to the new building, destroying all its contents and in the process killing all three of the lay brothers who occupied the grange.
An area of the town is named 'Black Abbey', a reference to the murders. Accrington did not remain under monastic control for long before reverting to the de Lacy family. The public house just off Black Abbey Street in Accrington commemorates this now ancient history.
Stanlow Abbey
Stanlow Abbey was a Cistercian abbey situated on Stanlow Point, on the banks of the River Mersey in the Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire, England.
It was founded in 1178 by the 6th Baron of Halton John FitzRichard as a daughter abbey of Combermere Abbey. When his son now Roger de Lacy became the 7th Baron of Halton the sponsorship of Stanlow Abbey passed through to the de Lacy family. The abbey laid in an exposed situation near the Mersey estuary and suffered a series of disasters.
Roger de Lacy (born Roger FitzRichard), 6th Baron of Pontefract, 7th Lord of Bowland 7th Lord of Halton, Constable of Chester, formidable soldier, served first Richard the Lionheart then his brother King John as a military leader. Roger was buried at Stanlow Abbey in 1211.
On the death of Rogers son John de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, he followed his father into the family grave. The de Lacy family tomb was again opened for the body (not the heart*) of Edmund de Lacy the 8th Baron of Pontefract.
Between 1279 and 1287 Stanlow Abbey suffered from Flooding, Fire and finally a storm bringing down the tower. The abbey stood between the Mersey and much later the Manchester Ship Canal. The only standing remains include, two sandstone walls and a re-used doorway and buried features. These remains now recognised as a scheduled monument.
Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln sought permission from King Edward I and the Pope to build a new abbey on better land where he could more safely lay his family to rest. Permission granted and Henry chooses to see the new Abbey erected in 1296 at Whalley nearer to Clitheroe Castle (* also read St Richard's Friary Pontefract).
Stanlow Abbey was a Cistercian abbey situated on Stanlow Point, on the banks of the River Mersey in the Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire, England.
It was founded in 1178 by the 6th Baron of Halton John FitzRichard as a daughter abbey of Combermere Abbey. When his son now Roger de Lacy became the 7th Baron of Halton the sponsorship of Stanlow Abbey passed through to the de Lacy family. The abbey laid in an exposed situation near the Mersey estuary and suffered a series of disasters.
Roger de Lacy (born Roger FitzRichard), 6th Baron of Pontefract, 7th Lord of Bowland 7th Lord of Halton, Constable of Chester, formidable soldier, served first Richard the Lionheart then his brother King John as a military leader. Roger was buried at Stanlow Abbey in 1211.
On the death of Rogers son John de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, he followed his father into the family grave. The de Lacy family tomb was again opened for the body (not the heart*) of Edmund de Lacy the 8th Baron of Pontefract.
Between 1279 and 1287 Stanlow Abbey suffered from Flooding, Fire and finally a storm bringing down the tower. The abbey stood between the Mersey and much later the Manchester Ship Canal. The only standing remains include, two sandstone walls and a re-used doorway and buried features. These remains now recognised as a scheduled monument.
Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln sought permission from King Edward I and the Pope to build a new abbey on better land where he could more safely lay his family to rest. Permission granted and Henry chooses to see the new Abbey erected in 1296 at Whalley nearer to Clitheroe Castle (* also read St Richard's Friary Pontefract).
Whalley Abbey
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Whalley Abbey In 1296 the Cistercian monks from Stanlow Abbey moved to Whalley. Stanlow Abbey had suffered a series of misfortunes, including flooding and by 1289, Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln agreed to the move from Stanlow to de Lacy estates at Whalley in North Lancashire. It was not achieved until 1296. Henry de Lacy laid the first foundation stone in June 1296
The abbey prospered by exploiting its considerable resources – stone, coal, iron, sheep and cattle pastures, fisheries, woollen mills and arable land. In 1536, during the reign of Henry VIII and the suppression of the Monasteries, Whalley had been caught up in the “Pilgrimage of Grace”, the northern rebellion against the king. Abbot Paslew did not participate, but he did refuse to take the required oath of allegiance and was executed, with two of his fellow monks, at Lancaster in March 1537.
The site of the Abbey was bought by Richard Assheton of Lever, near Bolton. Its buildings were converted into a large and imposing private house, much of which is now a retreat and conference centre amidst the ruins of the former Abbey.
In the 20th century the house was modified, and it is now the Retreat and Conference House of the Diocese of Blackburn. Of Interest, to de Lacy tourists the Abbey also offers Bed & Breakfast. Within the grounds and ruins is the last resting place of de Lacy barons Roger his son John and grandson Edmund de Lacy. Time and weather have removed all markings other than one damaged stone shows the faint outline of the shield of John de Lacy the other possible site is the stones behind the location of the high altar hopefully in the future the exact location amid the extensive ruins will be confirmed.
The abbey prospered by exploiting its considerable resources – stone, coal, iron, sheep and cattle pastures, fisheries, woollen mills and arable land. In 1536, during the reign of Henry VIII and the suppression of the Monasteries, Whalley had been caught up in the “Pilgrimage of Grace”, the northern rebellion against the king. Abbot Paslew did not participate, but he did refuse to take the required oath of allegiance and was executed, with two of his fellow monks, at Lancaster in March 1537.
The site of the Abbey was bought by Richard Assheton of Lever, near Bolton. Its buildings were converted into a large and imposing private house, much of which is now a retreat and conference centre amidst the ruins of the former Abbey.
In the 20th century the house was modified, and it is now the Retreat and Conference House of the Diocese of Blackburn. Of Interest, to de Lacy tourists the Abbey also offers Bed & Breakfast. Within the grounds and ruins is the last resting place of de Lacy barons Roger his son John and grandson Edmund de Lacy. Time and weather have removed all markings other than one damaged stone shows the faint outline of the shield of John de Lacy the other possible site is the stones behind the location of the high altar hopefully in the future the exact location amid the extensive ruins will be confirmed.
(the old) St Pauls Cathedral
Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, Baron of Pontefract, Clitheroe, Halton, Lord of Denbigh; having created the last resting place for his parental line at Whalley was himself denied the opportunity of joining them. To commemorate his extensive national and international services, King Edward II decreed for him a state funeral and burial in the old St Paul's Cathedral in London. With the passing of Henry in 1311, both lines (Ilbert and his brother Walter) of the de Lacy Baronial family came to an end.
(the old) St Pauls Cathedral
Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, Baron of Pontefract, Clitheroe, Halton, Lord of Denbigh; having created the last resting place for his parental line at Whalley was himself denied the opportunity of joining them. To commemorate his extensive national and international services, King Edward II decreed for him a state funeral and burial in the old St Paul's Cathedral in London. With the passing of Henry in 1311, both lines (Ilbert and his brother Walter) of the de Lacy Baronial family came to an end.
Over to you?
There are other stories of the presence of the de Lacy family in churches all over England and Ireland. If you know of one perhaps near to you or when touring around. Please pass it through, and we will include it on the website.
There are other stories of the presence of the de Lacy family in churches all over England and Ireland. If you know of one perhaps near to you or when touring around. Please pass it through, and we will include it on the website.
If you would like to add a question or comment, perhaps give your reactions to a visit to any of the de Lacy Castles or Churches.
SENT BY Bob de Lacy - UK
Apparently, there is a well-known brass of a Peter Lacy in St Botolph's Church in Northfleet, Kent, dating from 1375. There is mention in the website words below.
Peter Lacy (c.1310-18 October 1375) was a medieval English Keeper of the Privy Seal.
He started his administrative career as a clerk in the office of Prince Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son of Edward III. By 1347 he was the Prince's receiver-general, responsible for collecting the income from the Duchy of Cornwall and other estates, much of which was spent He died in 1375 in his Northfleet parish and was buried in St Botolph's Church, Northfleet.
Thanks Bob, I understand the Brass is still on display at St Botolph Church?
Apparently, there is a well-known brass of a Peter Lacy in St Botolph's Church in Northfleet, Kent, dating from 1375. There is mention in the website words below.
Peter Lacy (c.1310-18 October 1375) was a medieval English Keeper of the Privy Seal.
He started his administrative career as a clerk in the office of Prince Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son of Edward III. By 1347 he was the Prince's receiver-general, responsible for collecting the income from the Duchy of Cornwall and other estates, much of which was spent He died in 1375 in his Northfleet parish and was buried in St Botolph's Church, Northfleet.
Thanks Bob, I understand the Brass is still on display at St Botolph Church?
If you wish to include photos* please submit both your text and photos by email to delacychronicles@gmail.
*Include any permissions if the pictures are not yours. Thank you.
*Include any permissions if the pictures are not yours. Thank you.
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