St Mary's Abbey, York

St Mary’s Abbey in York is the medieval Benedictine abbey whose extensive stone ruins now sit within the city’s Museum Gardens. The abbey was a major monastic institution in northern England and its ruined church and claustral buildings form a prominent historic site.

Visitors see large stretches of masonry walls, arches and foundations that outline the former abbey church, cloister and chapter house. The ruins are set in landscaped gardens that allow close access and photographic views.

The abbey was founded in the late 11th century and was dissolved during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century; after dissolution the buildings fell into ruin and were later subject to conservation and archaeological study.

St Mary’s Abbey lies immediately west of York city centre within the Museum Gardens, a short walk from York Minster and other central historic sites.

• Founding and dissolution dates: Founded in the late 11th century and dissolved in the 16th century, the abbey's ruins are interpreted within York's Museum Gardens and are adjacent to the city's historic core.

What to See #

• Abbey ruins: The surviving ruins of the Benedictine abbey church, cloister and chapter house form extensive masonry remains within York Museum Gardens and are the largest monastic ruins in England.
• Museum Gardens and landscape setting: The surrounding Museum Gardens provide plantings, lawns and paths that frame the abbey ruins and host museum buildings and displays nearby.