More information : [SJ 6388 6985] Vale Royal on site of [T.I.] St. Mary's
Abbey [G.T.] Cistercian founded AD 1274 [T.I.]
[Name Centred SJ 6401 6968] Monk's Well [G.T.]
[SJ 63956990] Nun's Grave [G.T.] (1)
The Cistercian Abbey at Vale Royal was formerly at Darnhall
[SJ 66 SW 2.] In 1277 work was begun on the new site at Vale
Royal, to which the monks moved in 1281. Dissolved 1539. (2)
No trace of Monastic buildings is visible in the structure of
the present Vale Royal House.
At SJ 6392 6991 is a modern stone incised with the outline of a
cruciform church. Mr. Thompson, curator of the Grosvenor House
Museum, states that this marks the probable centre of the
Monastic Church, as deduced from excavations in 1911-12 and
1958.
The "Monks Well" is a small circular ornamental pond, at SJ 6401
6968, with a stone pedestal surmounted by the figure of a bishop
at its centre. Its stone surround is modern. (See GP A0/62/9/6).
The 'Nuns Grave' is marked by a pillar bearing an ornately
carved four-sided head with inset figures on all four faces.
It is mounted on a platform of pillar segments and surrounded
by a border of broken masonry. The whole is evidently constructed
from fragments of the monastic building (See GP A0/62/9/5). (3)
The cross head referred to has been removed and is stored inside
Vale Royal. (4)
Excavation report. (5)
SJ 638699. Vale Royal Abbey. Additional references. (6-7)
Scheduled (8)
3/23 II Vale Royal including small "black and white"
building near Stables.
*This is one of the most historic sites in Cheshire and it would
need a very long account to detail its many associations. A
Cistercian monastery was founded here by Edward I, who, with his
Queen Eleanor, laid the first stone in 1277. This Abbey became
rich and powerful and was also a sort of nucleus of the
Forest of Delamere. At the Reformation it passed into the hands
of the Holcrofts and from them to the Cholmondeleys who have
owned it down to the present Lord Delamere. It has recently been
acquired by the Cheshire County Council. Of the mediaeval Abbey
only a few foundation ruins remain. The mansion is very large but
has undergone many alterations and additions and is rather
disappointing architecturaly. It was mainly rebuilt by the
Holcrofts in the time of Queen Elizabeth but little or none
of this rebuilding now remains.
Present house has front block surrounding 3 sides of court
with centre block and projecting side wings. This is two-storey,
sandstone, with pilasters, parapet and hipped slated roof.
Centre part is prob. C.17 nucleus but from information of old
prints, structure is mainly late C.18 or early C.19 reconstruction.
At rear of R. H. wing is very large wing, late C.19 alterations
and additions, Victorian Tudor, brick with stone dressings, slate
roof, clock tower etc.
Windows to old block are gen. mullion and transome casements
(some sash with g.b.) in cavetto stone reveals with key blocks.
Projecting wings are terminated by 2 st. half-hexagonal bays.
Central entrance porch, Gothic arch flanked by stone coat of
arms, embattled parapet over. Massive C.16 - C.17 studded oak
door, later glazed ditto in front of same.
Interior Main reception rooms are on first floor, including large
Saloon, C.17 restored, decorated timber roof; Library with good
C.17 wood work, enriched door case and mantel; Dining Room with
good enriched C.18 wood work. There is also the Oak Room in
which are C.16 carved panels and c.17 dado panelling and tablets
recording foundation of Abbey and also visits of King Venry VII
and King James I. Small C.18 plain Saloon; stone staircase
with C.17 wood balusters, etc. Generally heteroganeous owing to many
alterations.
Large gardens, park etc. many outbuildings, stables, cottages,
lodges etc. All these are of no interest except a small "black
and white" building adjoining stables, timber framing removed
from N. E. front of House and re-erectd here in 1858. (9)
Turn off A556 to Whitegate, opposite church. Follow drive for 3/4m. Bell Cottage to rear of Vale Royal Abbey.
Bell Cottage. This three-acre plantsman's garden has two quite separate parts. The smaller lies to the front of the cottage where a lawn, rockery and alpine garden stand between the house and the woodland below. Behind the cottage is the walled garden which was once the kitchen garden to Lord Delamere's home, Vale Royal Abbey. A small arboretum adds interest to a far corner of the garden. The soil is acid, so many shade- and acid-loving plants thrive on the wooded slope. (10)
Architectural survey of surviving fabric. (11)
Vale Royal Abbey. Country house, formerly abbey buildings.
Grade 2*. (12) |