Newsham Abbey

Newsham Abbey (West Lindsey, Lincolnshire) marks the site of a medieval monastery that was the first Premonstratensian house in England. No buildings stand today. What survives are earthworks in the grounds of Brocklesby Park, just north of Brocklesby village.

What was Newsham Abbey?

The abbey, also called Newhouse, was founded in 1143 by Peter of Goxhill, a name that some sources spell Peter of Gousla. Ralf de Bayeux was also honoured as a founder. It was dedicated to St Mary and St Martial, and its first canons came from Licques abbey near Calais in France. Newsham was one of nine religious houses of this kind in the historic county of Lincolnshire, and the one that opened the order's story in England.

What happened to it?

By 1385 the canons were complaining of poverty and the cost of hosting travellers, and storms had left the buildings close to ruin. Thomas Harpham became the last abbot in 1534. The house was suppressed in 1536 under Henry VIII, and its stone was later carried off for other uses.

What can you see today?

Very little. The Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record describes broad earthworks across the precinct, with scattered building debris and grassed-over foundations. Part of the surrounding ditch and bank remains, and the bank doubles as the parish boundary between Brocklesby and Ulceby. In a pit at the probable church site, the base of a medieval pier still sits where it was built. One source classes the site as "vanished", and the record lists no legal protection for it.

Nearby in the park, Newsham Bridge carries statues in a monastic style, added as a nod to the abbey next door.

How do you get there, and can you go in?

The site lies on private parkland in northern Lincolnshire, in the area around Immingham and Ulceby. Driving is the practical option. There are no signs, ticket office, car park or toilets at the site. Check beforehand whether the relevant part of the estate is open, because this is not a regular visitor attraction. Low winter sun and short grass show the humps and hollows best.

Is it worth the trip?

It rewards anyone interested in monastic history or landscape archaeology. Do not expect standing walls. The historic records and survey plans tell you more than a walk over the ground will.

Frequently asked questions

Are there ruined walls at Newsham Abbey? No. What remains is earthworks: a ditch, a bank and one pier base in a pit. The buildings were dismantled after the suppression.

When was the abbey founded and closed? It was founded in 1143 and suppressed in 1536.

Why does the site matter? It was the first Premonstratensian house in England, settled by canons from Licques near Calais.

Can I walk onto the site? It sits within the Brocklesby estate parkland and has no organised visiting. Access depends on the owner's rules.