'Holme Cultram Abbey'
Location : Abbeytown
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 177508
Holme Cultram Abbey was founded in 1150 by the Cistercian Monks from Melrose Abbey on the
Scottish Borders. In the 15th Century the abbey was much larger than it is today,
in fact it was bigger than Carlisle Cathedral. In 1538 with the dissolution of the monasteries
the land passed to the Crown, and the monks were dispersed. The centre of the Abbey has survived
as the Parish Church, with the rest of the Abbey falling into disrepair.
The Church you see today, 6 of the 9 bays of the nave of the original Abbey, is the result of
restoration begun in 1703, and further work done in 1883 and 1913.
There is a wonderful Norman arch at the west doorway, and a fine arcade of
pillars in the side walls. There are fragments of tombstones, inscriptions, medieval tiles
and masonry in the porch which are worth studying. The stained glass windows are also worth
studying - there are many - by Wailes and Strang, Powell of Whitefriars, and E & C O'Neill.
The five light East window is by William Wailes.
A leaflet is available describing the history of the Abbey.
DUE TO THE RECENT FIRE, THE ABBEY IS LIKELY TO REMAIN CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FOR SOME TIME
Aerial photos by Simon Ledingham.
9th June 2006 - Fire damages 900-year-old church.
See a short movie of the Abbey as it was before the fire. [To view this requires a broadband connection and the flash player].
Page last changed 15 June 2006.
