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.
As of July 2007 the magnificent gatehouse opens daily, it includes 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.
Colonised from Kirkham Priory in North Yorkshire, the Augustinian house at Thornton was founded in 1139 by William le Gros. Less than 10 years later it was raised to the status of an abbey, and in 1518 became a mitred abbey. Thornton Abbey's remains can be found today at the end of a quiet lane, but instead of being secluded among the lush Lincolnshire countryside they stand against a backdrop of 20th century industrial plant scattered along the banks of the River Humber.
But the visitor cannot fail to be impressed with the massive brick-built gatehouse as it looms into sight like some sturdy, military fortress guarding the entrance to the abbey site. This imposing monastic gatehouse, built at the end of the 14th century, is an extraordinary structure that remains virtually intact. Between the four tall turrets above the central vaulted archway, the façade is covered with canopies and niches that once held statues of saints but the crenellated parapets were adorned with soldiers, tradesmen and scientists. The upper floors of the gatehouse were thought to have been occupied by the abbots of Thornton Abbey, and several fireplaces and garderobes can be seen throughout the building. The large first floor room now houses a collection of stonework carvings discovered on site during an excavation of the abbey.
Nothing has survived of the first abbey church, and of the 13th/14th century rebuilding only the foundation plan is now visible with the exception of the south transept. One wall stands to almost full height and there are fragments of a chapel, but adjoining this wall are the beautiful remains of the 13th century octagonal chapter house. Two complete sides of the building survive to show some magnificent blank arcading and geometrical tracery. All other monastic buildings have either disappeared, or consist of little more than low masonry indicating their existence.
When Thornton Abbey was dissolved in 1539 it was held under the guardianship of the last prior for the
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