White Abbey, Kildare facts for kids

White Abbey is an old, ruined building located near the town of Kildare in County Kildare, Ireland. It was once a busy monastery where a group of religious people called Carmelite friars lived and worked. Today, only parts of the original structure remain, showing us a glimpse into its long history.

History of White Abbey

White Abbey was founded around the year 1290. It was established by a person named William de Vesci. The abbey was home to Carmelite friars, who were a type of religious order.

The abbey was also known by its Irish name, 'An Mhainistir Liath'. This name means 'The Grey Monastery'. Over time, the monastery was made bigger, with new parts added towards the south.

Some important people from history are buried at White Abbey. These include members of the Earls of Kildare family, who were powerful local leaders.

The life of the friars at White Abbey came to an end in 1540. At that time, King Henry VIII of England decided to close down many monasteries and religious houses across the country. His agents demolished the buildings and expelled the friars from White Abbey.

Just a few years later, in 1543, the land where the abbey stood was sold to a person named David Sutton Tully. Even today, you can find clues about the abbey's past. A short distance west of the ruins, there is a place known as the Friars well. Also, the way the ground is shaped suggests that there were once living areas for the friars nearby.