Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Fors Abbey
Hob Uid: 47333
Location : North Yorkshire Richmondshire Low Abbotside
Grid Ref : SD9350090810
Summary : Later known as Dale Grange. Founded as a Savigniac monastery in 1145, when monks in Wensleydale were granted land by Akarius fitz Bardolf. There they built a wooden monastery which Brother Peter and 2 brothers placed under the abbey of Old Byland. They became Cistercian in 1147. In 1150 they were joined by 9 monks from Byland (Stocking) and placed under Abbot John. However, they found Fors too unproductive to support them all, and 5 monks had to be boarded at Stoking, and 3 at Furness. In 1156, they were granted the better site at Jervaulx, (SE 18 NE 1). The site later became the centre of an important estate of Jervaulx, and took the name Dale Grange. A single 13th century window remains of the grange, incorporated into an outbuilding of Chantry Farm.
More information : (SD 93549085) Chapel (NR) (Rems of) (Name SD 936908) Fors Abbey (NR) (Site of). (1) Fors Abbey founded as a Benedictine monastery 1145 (absorbed by the Cistercian Order 1147) and abandoned in 1156 when a new site was granted at Jervaulx (SE 18 NE 1). (2) A chantry chapel connected with the abbey and converted into an outbuilding. (3) SD 935908. Chantry Farm incorporates a 13th century lancet window from Dale Grange (originally occupying this site). To the south of the farmhouse are traces of early terracing on the banks of the river. Foundations of several large buildings are visible on the ground towards the east. (Nothing visible on APs RAF 1951). (4) There are no traces of the chapel. Chantry Farm is a modern farmhouse and outbuilding with the lancet window built into the north wall. Apart from two terraces to the south of the farm there are no visible remains of any building foundations. Published survey (25") revised. (5)

Sources :

Source Number : 1
Source : Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date)
Source details : OS 6" 1958
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Source Number : 2
Source : Medieval religious houses in England and Wales
Source details :
Page(s) : 119
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Source Number : 3
Source : Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Object Name Book reference
Source details : ONB 1910 83
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Source Number : 4
Source : VIRTUAL CATALOGUE ENTRY TO SUPPORT NAR MIGRATION
Source details : Mon Grange in Md Eng 1969 203-4 (C Platt)
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Source Number : 4a
Source : Aerial photograph
Source details : RAF 58/711 3019 3.6.51
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Source Number : 5
Source : Field Investigators Comments
Source details : F1 ISS 27-FEB-76
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Medieval
Monument End Date : 1540
Monument Start Date : 1066
Monument Type : Savigniac Monastery, Cistercian Monastery, Cistercian Grange, Chantry Chapel
Evidence : Documentary Evidence, Architectural Component, Uncertain Evidence

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SD 99 SW 3
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Associated Monuments : 50837
Relationship type : General association

Associated Monuments : 1454394
Relationship type : General association

Related Activities :

Associated Activities : Primary, FIELD OBSERVATION ON SD 99 SW 3
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1976-02-27
End Date : 1976-02-27

Associated Activities : Primary, WENSLEYDALE WATER PIPELINE
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1998-01-01
End Date : 1998-12-31

Historic England Research Records

Fors Abbey