Leicester Abbey
The Abbey of Saint Mary de Pratis, more commonly known as Leicester Abbey, was an Augustinian religious house in the city of Leicester, in Leicestershire, England. The abbey was founded in the 12th century by the Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester, and grew to become the wealthiest religious establishment within Leicestershire. Through patronage and donations the abbey gained the advowsons of countless churches throughout England, and acquired a considerable amount of land, and several manorial lordships. Leicester Abbey also maintained a cell at Cockerham Priory, in Lancashire. The Abbey's prosperity was boosted through the passage of special privileges by both the English Kings and the Pope. These included an exemption from sending representatives to parliament and from paying tithe on certain land and livestock. Despite its privileges and sizeable landed estates, from the late 14th century the abbey began to suffer financially and was forced to lease out its estates. The worsening financial situation was exacerbated throughout the 15th century and early 16th century by a series of incompetent, corrupt and extravagant abbots. By 1535 the abbey's considerable income was exceeded by even more considerable debts.
Quick facts
- Type
- Historic ruins
- Location
- Leicester City
- Address
- Abbey Park Road, Leicester
- Coordinates
- 52.64869, -1.13699
Nearby
Within 500m: 1 cafes, 0 restaurants, 7 businesses, 2 other places
Within 1000m: 53 cafes, 0 restaurants, 156 businesses, 2 other places
Within 2000m: 264 cafes, 0 restaurants, 856 businesses, 23 other places , 7 hotels
Sources
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
More places nearby
- Abbey Park · Parks
- Bede Park · Parks
- Cossington Recreation Ground · Parks
- Fielding Johnson Building · Culture
- Fosse Recreation Ground · Parks
- Gas Museum · Culture
Where to eat nearby
Food businesses within approximately 1 km.