This is the largest monastic gatehouse in England; an architectural symbol of wealth and power of Thornton Abbey in the late middle ages. The gatehouse is situated close to the small north Lincolnshire village of Thornton Curtis. The gatehouse was built in a combination of brick and stone probably completed between 1377 and 1389. It was the main entrance to the abbey precinct, which was fortified on this side by walls, towers and a broad ditch. In front of the gatehouse is a walled approach that formed an outer defence to the building. The battlements of the gatehouse were once filled with stone sculptures of men hurling stones and firing weapons. It seems unlikely that the gatehouse served as a residence as it contains no kitchens or service rooms. The building may have housed the abbey courtroom and administration. After the suppression of the monastery in 1539, the gatehouse was preserved as the entrance to a house on the abbey site. The gate - passage is still hung with it`s original 14th century doors. Above the gatehouse are several figures of saints, the remains of a much larger display of sculptures. Some have been crudely repaired at an unknown date.
View looking straight to the entrance gate.
The left hand side of the walled approach showing the ditch.
This time the right hand side.
The impressive frontage showing the towers.
A - St John the Baptist.
B- The Virgin.
C- St Augustine.
D - statue of Christ.
E - Angel with the crown of thorns and a spear.
The left hand side of the walled approach.
The Entrance Arch.
One of the towers.
This is the most beautiful gatehouse I have ever seen and photographed. Sadly most of the Abbey itself is in ruins. It is an English Heritage site.
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Oh, my! That is what I call beautiful architecture. That is just neat stuff. I love it. And, the photography is danged good as well. Keep it up, my friend.
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