After the dissolution the church was pillaged, the roof and beams were stripped out, and then the tower collapsed into the nave in 1779. Many of the stones used in the original construction have found their way into buildings completed in more recent times.

VR Photography May 2000
©Red Door VR Limited.

RETURN TO KIRKSTALL ABBEY MAIN VR TOUR

The Cloister July 1999 - the crowds take their seats for an open air performance of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'

Kirkstall Abbey was founded by Cistercian Monks in 1152. Construction of the 224 ft by 62 ft building took 30 years. Completion of the surrounding properties, abbots houses, infirmary, guest house and chapter house took another 50!