Thornton Abbey Reopened in UK

Tuesday, 21 August 2007 21:27

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE, UK - A 600-year-old gatehouse, one of the most important of its kind in the country and all that remains of a medieval abbey, has been officially reopened by English Heritage after an ambitious conservation project.

For centuries Thornton Abbey, in North Lincolnshire, was a centre of spiritual and economic influence. It was founded in 1139 by Augustinian canons from Kirkham priory, near Malton in North Yorkshire, and became one of England’s wealthiest abbeys. The gatehouse was built in the 1360s complete with barbican and battlements, as these were the nervous years after the Peasants’ Revolt.

Work to return the gatehouse to its former glory has been backed by the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward as part of a £4.5m scheme by the South Humber Bank Heritage Tourism Initiative, bidding to promote the natural and heritage assets of North Lincolnshire.

Keith Miller, English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments said: “The huge multi-storied gatehouse is the finest and best preserved of its kind surviving in England. It has been described as a ‘medieval skyscraper’ and was the gateway to the abbey complex. While most of those buildings were plundered for stone centuries ago, the gatehouse stands almost intact as an astonishing survivor. It has been a major challenge to undertake the restoration, access and interpretation works in such a sensitive setting, but the result is simply stunning.”

The gatehouse will now be opened to the public as a fully fledged attraction and houses an exciting new exhibition on the site’s history. The project has cost £620,000 and has involved extensive repairs to crumbling masonry and the creation of state-of-the-art visitor facilities, along with a reception point, colourful displays and facilities for disabled visitors. A spectacular new exterior oak staircase also grants unprecedented access to the building’s upper floors and atmospheric interior, with its warren of narrow corridors.

Historic accounts reveal that the abbey earned £800 from its wool trade in 1313, which today translates into many millions of pounds. Thornton’s canons built the gatehouse on the orders of Abbot Thomas Gresham, who was a shadowy figure. Pages relating to him in a 16th century history of the abbey were torn out 200 years later – a scribbled note saying it “was to protect the abbey’s reputation”. The monastery was suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539, but he was so enraptured by the buildings that he issued a warrant for a short-lived college to be established on the site rather than see it reduced to rack and ruin.

Councillor Mark Kirk, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "This exciting project brings together the work of the South Humber Bank Heritage Tourism project, created by the South Humber Bank Partnership. It recognises the importance of Thornton Abbey as a key heritage site of national significance. Bringing it back to its former glory to create a stunning building will entice people far and wide to visit this historical monument. The improvements are fantastic and must be seen to be appreciated.

Thornton Abbey is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Winter opening times (October until March) are Saturday to Monday, 10am to 4pm. Admission is £4 adults, £3 concessions and £2 children. English Heritage members are admitted free. Visitor information on 01652 632516 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/thorntonabbey .