Egglestone Abbey

The Abbey was founded in the late 12th century at some point between 1168 and 1198 most likely by a member of the Multon family; the oldest document about the abbey dated to 1198 mentions a fine by the overlord Ralph Lenham to Ralph Multon in regard to alienated land. The founders were the Premonstratensians who wore a white habit and became known as the White Canons. They followed a code of austerity similar to that of Cistercian monks, unlike monks of other orders, they were exempt from the strict Episcopal discipline. They undertook preaching and pastoral work in the region (such as distributing meat and drink). They chose the site for the abbey because of its isolation, close proximity…