Newbo Abbey facts for kids
Newbo Abbey was a special kind of monastery in Lincolnshire, England. It was a home for canons regular, who were like priests living together under certain rules. The abbey was named after Mary, the mother of Jesus.
In the Middle Ages, many people lived in Lincolnshire. It was one of the busiest parts of England. There were nine Premonstratensian monasteries in the area, including Newbo Abbey. Some of the others were Barlings Abbey, Hagnaby Abbey, and Tupholme Abbey.
How Newbo Abbey Started
Newbo Abbey was founded around the year 1198. It was built very close to a place called Sedgebrook. The person who started it was named Richard de Malebisse (who died in 1209). Richard de Malebisse was a judge from York. He owed money to a Jewish banker and was involved in a difficult event in York in 1190.
When the Abbey Closed
Newbo Abbey was closed down in the autumn of 1536. This happened during the time known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. King Henry VIII ordered many monasteries to be closed across England. However, Newbo Abbey was almost empty even before that. By 1401, it had very few people living there because of a widespread illness (like the Black Death) and not having enough money.
Around 1920, some old stone coffins were found near where the abbey used to be. They were dug up by the Duke of Rutland, who was a noble person living nearby. People believe these coffins are now kept at Belvoir Castle, which is only about four miles from the abbey's old site.
Leaders of Newbo Abbey
The leaders of Newbo Abbey were called abbots. Here are some of the abbots who led the monastery:
- Ralf, around 1227
- Matthew, around 1242
- William, chosen in 1276, still abbot in 1310
- Ralf, around 1401
- Simon of Mumby, chosen in 1406
- John, chosen in 1412
- William Gresley, around 1433
- William Bottesford, chosen in 1436
- Peter York, from 1475 to 1478
- John Mownckton, from 1482 to 1491
- John Colby, from 1494 to 1500
- William Broil, around 1522
- Richard Carre, who was the last abbot, around 1529
