In Northamptonshire.  It was also called Welford;  the statement that this abbey was originally founded in Welford parish and subsequently moved to Sulby is due to a misreading of the document quoted (in VCH.  Colvin’s statement.)  Sited at the bottom of the valley 2 miles north of Naseby (CLAPHAM).

It was founded as the abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary by William de Wideville (Withville), in 1155.  It was a daughter of Newhouse

By 1158 there were at least 26 canons, because a colony of 13 had been sent to Lavendon.  1475:  9, including abbot and any novices;  1478:  11 ditto;  1488:  9 ditto;  1491:  10 ditto;  1494:  10 ditto;  1497:  13;  1500:  12.

Dependency:  Kalendar (KNOWLES).

In 1341 the abbot visited Welbeck (THOMPSON).

Net income c. 1535:  £258.

The abbey surrendered on the 20th Sep 1538 by the abbot and 11 canons  (KNOWLES).

The site is said to be SE of the farm, but there is no evidence on the ground.  A few architectural fragments and a fine coffin-lid survive in a building near farm.  See Boutell Christian Monuments  (CLAPHAM).