More information : [SE 3363 0198] ROCKLEY ABBEY [G.T.] (Remains of) Tower
[G.T.] (1)
"... Rockley Abbey ... has no claim to its modern appellation of
'abbey', and was never in any way identified with any religious
community. The second Lord Strafford [died 1695] ... had some
parts of the old building so altered as to give them an
ecclesiastical appearance, and from this is to be traced the
change in name. The place was at one period designated Falthwaite,
but for a much longer period Rockley Hall; and here was seated
for four or five centuries (until 1724), a younger branch of the
family of Rockley, the seat of the elder branch [being at]
Rockley Old Hall [See SE 30 SW 8] ...... Nearly the whole of the
old buildings [of Rockley Hall (Rockley Abbey)], which had become
dilapidated, were removed some years ago, and a modern and
substantial farm-house built on their site. In digging the
foundations, some finely-worked pieces of ashlar-stone, some
Roman and other coins, and human remains were found, and traces
were discovered of an edifice of more ample dimensions having
previously existed." (2)
[Gives full history of the Rockley family and their estates.]
(3)
Rockley Abbey - [Short historical account, no dates given.] ...
"In digging the foundations [of the modern] ... building some
large pieces of finely worked ashlar stone which were evidently
the foundations of a previous structure of no ordinary character;
some acient coins and human bones were found.
Mr. Firth, the present occupier, says, that human bones and coins
have been found on previous occasions, he remembers one time in
particular, when the ground was being dug for some stables, and
in the bowling green, finely wrought ashlar stone has frequently
been found." (4)
The foundations of a tower (See G.P. AO/60/123/1), at SE 33620196,
and part of the outbuildings are the only visible remains of the
former Rockley Abbey.
Nothing has been found by the tenant of the present farmhouse,
and no further information was obtained concerning the 19th. c.
find of 'ancient coins'. (5)
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