Leiston Abbey

Leiston Abbey, in Suffolk, England, was formerly known as St Mary's Abbey.
It was founded in 1182 at Minsmere by a powerful lawyer named Ranulf de
Glanville, Lord Chief Justice to Henry II.

In 1363 the Abbey was transferred to Leiston, and its Patron Robert de
Ufford, Earl of Suffolk, devoted his last years to the building.

The order of the Abbey was a House of Augustinian Canons Regular who
followed the Premonstratensian rule. Unlike monks, their main duties were
preaching and pastoral work.

Following the Dissolution Act in 1536, Leiston Abbey became a farm, the
farmhouse being built into the ruins. Later, a Georgian front was added to
the house, which was extended in the 1920s.
	

Part of the Farmhouse





Cool shot of building and rendition


Surrounding countryside