ARCHITECT, English
(active 2nd half 12th century in North Yorkshire)

Aerial view

1177-92
Photo
Byland Abbey, North Yorkshire

Byland Abbey was described in the 12th century as one of the shining lights of northern monasticism. The abbey rose to be one of the largest of the Cistercian order in Britain. The remains of the buildings, particularly the great church with its magnificent west front, are important in the development of northern monastic architecture in the second half of the 12th century. It was destroyed in the 14th century.

The photo shows the aerial view of Byland Abbey. In the foreground are the remains of the west range, one of the earliest surviving parts of the abbey.

View the ground plan of Byland Abbey.