Ruins of the Abbey, Leicester

Ruins of the Abbey, Leicester

Leicester Abbey, formally known as the Abbey of Saint Mary de Pratis, was once the wealthiest Augustinian religious house in Leicestershire. Founded in the 12th century by Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester, the abbey flourished through royal and papal privileges, acquiring vast landholdings, numerous church advowsons, and even a dependent priory in Lancashire.

Despite its wealth, financial mismanagement and corruption among abbots led to economic decline by the late 14th century. By the time of its dissolution in 1538, the abbey was deeply in debt. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, accused of treason, died at Leicester Abbey in 1530 on his way to trial.

Following its dissolution, the abbey’s buildings were quickly dismantled, with materials repurposed for structures across Leicester, including Cavendish House, built on the site in 1613. This mansion was later destroyed by fire during the English Civil War in 1645. By the 19th and 20th centuries, the site was incorporated into Abbey Park, and archaeological excavations in the 1920s and 1930s revealed the abbey’s foundations.

Today, the ruins are a scheduled monument and Grade I listed site, offering visitors a glimpse into Leicester’s medieval past.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leicester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Ruins of the Abbey on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Ruins of the Abbey
Sight Location: Leicester, England (See walking tours in Leicester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Leicester, England

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