We are delighted that Prof Chris Gerard from the University of Durham will take us on a guided walking tour of the Premonstratensian abbey earthwork remains at Low Swainby.
The monument at Swainby includes earthwork and buried remains associated with a Premonstratensian abbey that then moved to Coverham 23km to the west.
The Domesday Book notes that in 1086 Swainby formed a single manor that was part of Count Alan's Honour of Richmond. This was tenanted by Ribald Lord of Middleham, whose descendant Helewise granted land at Swainby to the Premonstratensian Order for a new abbey. The grant is thought to have been made by Helewise when she was widowed in 1188, and it was confirmed by Henry II who died in 1189. Helewise's son, Ranulph Fitz-Robert, moved the community of canons from Swainby to Coverham in 1212-14, probably so that it was closer to his castle at Middleham. It is thought that the land at Swainby was retained by the abbey. Most of the monument's earthworks are considered to relate to the subsequent use of the area as a monastic grange, a managed estate providing food and revenue for Coverham Abbey. Swainby passed into private ownership sometime after 1536 when the abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII.
This is free event, however we welcome donations on the day.
Please be kind, so if you book a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel it to enable someone else to attend in your place. Places are very limited.