Portal:Cheshire/Selected article/35



Vale Royal Abbey is a former medieval Cistercian abbey and country house at Whitegate, within the ancient Forest of Mondrem. The abbey was founded in around 1270 by Lord Edward, later King Edward I. The original Darnhall site proved unsatisfactory, and the abbey soon moved a few miles north. Named Vale Royal to emphasise its royal connection, it was intended to be built on a grand scale but Edward's financial difficulties prevented this. The abbey was often grossly mismanaged, internal discipline was frequently bad, and poor relations with the local population turned to violence. In 1359 the nave collapsed in a storm and construction was still ongoing as late as 1422.

At the dissolution of 1538, Vale Royal's estates were sold to Thomas Holcroft, who demolished much of the abbey, incorporating part of its cloisters into a mansion he built in the 1540s. It subsequently formed the seat of the Cholmondeley family, who carried out several rounds of alterations (pictured). The remains of the abbey have been excavated. The site is a scheduled monument and is listed at Grade II*.

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