Ruins of Cockersand Abbey

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iBase ID

279731

Reference identifier

nla20070909022

Title

Ruins of Cockersand Abbey

Place

Cockersands, Lancaster

General notes

Cockersand Abbey is a former abbey. It was founded before 1184 as the Hospital of St Mary on the marsh belonging to Leicester Abbey. It was refounded as a Premonstratensian priory in 1190. It was subsequently elevated to an abbey in 1192 and also continued as a hospital. The abbey was dissolved in 1539. The only significant relic is the still intact, vaulted chapter house which was built in 1230 and used as a family mausoleum by the Daltons of Thurnham Hall during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument. The chapter house is open to the public on special occasions such as Heritage Open Days. A partial excavation took place in 1923-27, when some of these photos were taken. The results of the excavation are recorded in Lancaster Archaeological and Historical Society's journal 'Contrebis' Vol. 3 Issue 1 1975.