Vale Royal

Heritage Site in Cheshire

England

Vale Royal

Foxwist Green Junction of Cinder Hill with Dalefords Lane. — Foxwist Green Credit: David Dixon

Vale Royal is a historic site located in Cheshire, England. It is a former Cistercian abbey that dates back to the 13th century. The abbey was founded in 1270 by Edward I, and it quickly became one of the most important religious institutions in the region.

The abbey's architecture is a stunning example of Gothic style, with its grandiose arches, detailed stonework, and soaring spires. The site covers a vast area of around 14 acres, including the abbey buildings, cloister, and gardens. The abbey's church, dedicated to St. Mary, was the centerpiece of the complex and featured a magnificent stained glass window that is still partially intact.

During its heyday, Vale Royal Abbey was not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, art, and agriculture. The monks who resided there were known for their dedication to scholarly pursuits and were influential in shaping the local community.

Unfortunately, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, Vale Royal Abbey fell into disrepair. Many of its buildings were dismantled, and the site was left abandoned for centuries. Today, only ruins remain, but they still hold a significant historical and architectural value.

Vale Royal Abbey is now a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected by law to preserve its historical importance. The site attracts visitors who are interested in exploring England's rich religious and architectural heritage. It offers a glimpse into the past and serves as a reminder of the significant role that religious institutions played in shaping the region.

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Vale Royal Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.22/-2.547 or Grid Reference SJ6369. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Foxwist Green

Junction of Cinder Hill with Dalefords Lane.

David Dixon

Meadowbank Mine

Britain's largest salt mine lies alongside the River Weaver at Winsford. This is the main skip winding shaft up which comes much of the winter salt for Britain's roads.

David Kitching

Newbridge swing bridge

This distinctive bridge spans the river Weaver and is situated at the site of the former Newbridge Locks which were swept away when the navigation was modernised in the 1880's. In the foreground can be seen the gate recess for one of the lock gates.

David Kitching

Weaver Navigation

Mike Shields

Parkside Farm, Mill Lane

This large residence was available to rent in June 2006. It is just over a kilometre east of the village of Whitegate.

michael ely

Entrance to Bark House Farm

Looking south along the drive to Bark House Farm from its junction with Mill Lane.

michael ely

Thatched cottage, Whitegate, Cheshire

A pretty cottage, but not the best of locations on the junction of Cinder Hill and Grange Lane.

michael ely

Foxwist Green, Whitegate

Looking west along Cinder Hill at the Post Office building (shown as such on the OS's Cheshire Street Atlas). It appears now to be used as a private residence but the telephone box and pillar box remain for the local community.

michael ely

Whitegate Way, Grange Lane

Here a railway bridge has been demolished (part of the brick abutment can be seen left of shot) so the recreational route descends to cross Grange Lane. View looking west towards the terminus at Cuddington.

michael ely

Stile on Grange Lane, Winsford

Here a footpath heads west over the fields towards Martonsands passing to the north of Brook House Farm visible in the distance.

michael ely

Parish Church of St. Stephen Moulton

David Marten

The Lion

Lion Public House on Main Road Moulton. As always in these places, directly opposite the Church.

David Marten

Travellers Rest Moulton

Travellers Rest Public house on the junction of Main Road and Whitlow Lane Moulton. Sadly this pub looks somewhat run down in an otherwise pleasant little village. Initially thought it to be closed down but there did seemm to be some regulars using it.

David Marten

Path near Vale Royal Abbey

Broad field-edge path to the East of Vale Royal Abbey. The path emerges from the other side of the wood onto the banks of the original course of the River Weaver.

Ian Nadin

St Mary's Church Whitegate

This view shows the porch and spire

Eddie Mellor

Under the old railway arch, by Caravan Park, Moulton

Carys Brewster

Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club house

The Club house was built on the site of what was England's largest Cistercian Abbey, founded by Edward I, who in 1277 laid the first foundation stone. It took a further 53 years to complete the Abbey. When constructed, the Abbey was larger than Westminster Abbey. In the 16th century, following Henry VIII's Reformation and Dissolution of the Monasteries Acts, Thomas Holdcroft purchased the estate and pulled down the Abbey and built the Great House.

Steve Leech