Furness Abbey, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
St Mary of Furness was founded in 1123 by Stephen who became King of England. By Tudor times it was the second richest Cistercian house in England. The surrender of Furness abbey in 1537 was a turning point in the dissolution. The abbot and monks gave some support to the Pilgrimage of Grace, speaking out against the King. They were afraid that they might be executed and so decided to surrender the abbey voluntarily. This then became the pattern for other monasteries and made it easier to close them quickly. In 1539 the abbey and its land was granted to Henry VIII's first minister, Thomas Cromwell. In 1923 the abbey was put into the care of the Office of Works by the Cavendish family. It is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). More Info
