Shap Abbey was founded in the late 12th century in a secluded valley of the river Lowther close to the village of Shap. It was one of 32 religious houses in Britain of the Premonstratensian order of canons – the latter served the local community as priests. Shap had about 12 canons governed by an abbot. During the Suppression of the Monasteries the last abbot surrendered to Henry VIII’s men on 14 January 1540.
Shap Abbey
