The Abbot's House

Click here for larger image

The early abbots lived exactly the same life as the other monks, sharing the refectory and dormitory with them.

Gradually, as the abbey became rich, the abbot was expected to behave like a great lord - attending parliament, providing knights for the king's army, acting as judge in his own court and, of course, entertaining other important visitors and travellers.

At Fountains, as at other abbeys, a separate house was built for the abbot. These are its foundations. From other sites, we know that this would have been a large, comfortable house, with its own fireplaces and private rooms.

What might the other monks have felt about the differences which grew up between them and the abbot?

Previous Stop | Next Stop | Map | Tours Menu | Index Page