The West Tower, Shap Abbey nestling in the valley of the River Lowther, Cumbria.
Image details
Contributor:
Mike P Shepherd / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
AF8MN0File size:
49.2 MB (2 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3386 x 5079 px | 28.7 x 43 cm | 11.3 x 16.9 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
2006More information:
In 1190 a group of Premonstratensian Canons settled near Kendal in Cumbria, they were from an order of monks that originated in northern France. In 1200 a small group of about 12 Canons moved to Shap, which in the 12th century was known as "Hepp". "Hepp" changed to "Shap" over the next 100 years. Thanks to donations from wealthy families including the Cliffords and Vieuxponts, the monks were very wealthy. They set up temporary wooden buildings next to the River Lowther and began building their church and living quarters. Over the next century the chapter house, dormitory, warming house (the only room with a fire in it) and cloisters were completed. A community of about fifty people settled in the precinct surrounding the Abbey, they included shepherds, millers and farmers. It was the last Abbey to be founded in England, and the last to be dissolved.