Tilty Abbey

England
List entry 1002164
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Tilty Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in Essex in the early twelfth century, established circa 1110 by the de Tilly family. The abbey followed the Rule of Saint Bernard and maintained religious and agricultural significance throughout the medieval period until its dissolution in 1536 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. Substantial earthworks survive at the site, including the documented remains of the monastic precinct, though standing structures are largely absent. The location, situated in rural Essex near the village of Tilty, preserves evidence of the abbey's layout and its role as an important centre of Cistercian life in East Anglia during the High and Late Medieval periods.

Tilty Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002164. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Tilty Abbey?

Tilty Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in Essex in the early twelfth century, established circa 1110 by the de Tilly family. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002164.

Who is responsible for protecting Tilty Abbey?

Tilty Abbey is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002164.

What other scheduled monuments are near Tilty Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Great Easton motte castle (1.5 km), Site of Waltham Hall (4 km), Parsonage Farm moated site (4.3 km).

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