Kirkstall Abbey

William the Conqueror gave the Kirkstall area to one of his Norman followers, Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century. A descendent of Ilbert, Henry de Lacy, made a grant of land to the Cistercian monks who started building Kirkstall Abbey in 1152.

It was closed down in November 1539 in the Dissolution of religious houses ordered by Henry VIII. The monks were forced to leave and the Abbey fell into ruin.

The Gatehouse

The monks built a gatehouse to the north west of the Abbey, which is the oldest part of Abbey House.

A road originally ran through the gatehouse and there were two archways through which traffic could pass – a large archway gave access to vehicles, a smaller one to those on foot.

The last abbot, John Ripley, made the gatehouse, Abbey House, his home until his death in 1568.

From then on, Abbey House became a residence, first for farmers, then for notable Leeds families such as the Butlers of Kirkstall Forge.

In 1888 Colonel North bought the Abbey and presented it to the people of Leeds. He sold Abbey House to Colonel Harding in 1893 and the latter was responsible for the neo-gothic decoration still to be seen in the De Lacy room and the oak staircase

In 1893, Abbey House was sold to Colonel W.T. Harding who was responsible for the present gothic decoration of the De Lacy room and the oak staircase with its medieval style stained glass windows.

In 1925 Leeds City Council brought it for £6,000. After debating its future use, including suggestions for a Judges’ Lodgings or a Mayoral residence, the Council decided it should become a museum to preserve and display the history of the people of Leeds.

Since then the gatehouse has accommodated the Abbey House Museum and café which now has been aptly re-named, The Gatehouse

It is said that the former Abbot of the abbey walks the area that has been converted into a museum. Apparently it is more usual to hear the spirit moving around than see him!!