St Mary’s Abbey

About St Mary’s Abbey

Around 50 monks lived in St Mary’s Abbey, a self-contained precinct, along with about 200 servants. Remains of the abbey’s church, gatehouse, walls and guesthouse provide a glimpse into the history of the building and monastic life. First established in 1088, St Mary’s Abbey was run according to the rules laid down by St. Benedict, duties which included a strict timetable of prayer services and other activities such as copying books and manuscripts. The stone walls built to defend St Mary’s and its occupants were constructed in the 1260s and later modified and extended in the 14^th century. Intermediate and postern towers were also built along the extensive defensive circuit, which originally had two main gateways into the precinct. The abbey’s walls not only protected the monks and their servants from the Scots but also from the people of York. Outbreaks of violence sometimes occurred between both groups, caused at times by disputes over property rights.