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The Abbey at Byland dominates the small settlement called Byland Abbey and the surrounding area. It has Grade I listed status, is maintained by English Heritage and can be visited without charge.
It was consecrated in 1177 by the Cistercian monks who built the magnificent church with the longest nave in England. Like other monasteries, it was soon famed for wool and textile production which led to the Abbey becoming very wealthy.
It was while the Abbot was entertaining King Edward II in 1322 that they heard the noise of battle coming from what is now known as the Battle of Byland. The King fled, leaving the Great Seal of England, the Crown Jewels and much of his personal treasure behind.
The Abbey survived until the Dissolution of the Monasteries when Henry VIII removed the roof and sold the lead and other valuables in 1538.
Without its roof the monastery fell into disrepair and much of its stone was taken and reused in various local buildings in Byland and in Wass. However some of the famous blue tiled floor around the altar remains in situ.
The Abbey Inn is opposite the Abbey and often features in paintings and photographs going back almost 200 years. It was refurbished in 2023 and is run by Tommy Banks who also owns the Michelin starred Black Swan at Oldstead.