Near Richmond, N. Yorks

Founded as Abbey of St Agatha in *1151 *in or shortly before 1155 (THOMPSON) by Roald, constable of Richmond Castle.  Daughter of Newhouse.  (KNOWLES)  There was a parish church on the site before the monastery  (THOMPSON)

Much of the plan of the first church has been preserved.  It had square-ended aisleless presbytery with solid walls dividing the transeptal chapels originally, turning to open arches with screens between the chapels later.  Cloister and dorter on N side of church (he actually says this is at Egglestone, but this is clearly in error.  Warming-house fireplace visible.  Refectory built over an undercroft;  remains of pulpit are visible.  Infirmary to east or south-east of claustral block;  aisleless hall but no chapel  (CLAPHAM)

For the usual 13 canons, soon increased to at least 16.  1380-1:  19 canons;  1392-3:  added 10 canons, brining it up to about 23, with 2 secular priests and supporting 22 poor men.  1475:  20 canons;  1488:  22 including 3 deacons and 2 novices;  1535-6:  17 canons besides the abbot. (KNOWLES)

Losses from the inroads of the Scots in 1346, when English army on its way to battle of Neville’s Cross caused much damage;  compensated to some extent by appropriation of church of Manfield.  There was billeting of horses at the abbey.  During this period the patronage of the abbey was acquired, with other property, by Sir Henry Scrope, whose son built Bolton Castle, enlarged the abbey’s endowments in 1393 for the support of 10 more canons, and founded a chantry in the church  (THOMPSON)

Net income c. 1535:  £111 17s 11½d (THOMPSON)

Feb 1537 it was named as having resisted suppression in 1536:  ordered to be attainted and its ‘monks’ tied up.  Last abbot, Robert Bampton, granted a pension, the other canons nothing.  (KNOWLES)

Account of the remains published by St John Hope in Yorkshire Archaeological Journal, vol. 10  (THOMPSON) p. 117 and VCH Yorks, N. Riding, I, p.56 (CLAPHAM)

There are remains in Richmond church and Wensley church (THOMPSON)