Thornton Abbey - East Halton

Sam Roebuck

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Starting at Thornton Abbey railway station, this walk takes us across flat agricultural land to the little village of East Halton. Despite the unusual backdrop of the Humber oil refineries, this village has retained its charm and you can refresh yourself at the Black Bull Inn.

We now return to Thornton Abbey. This English Heritage-owned property is historically quite interesting and you'll want to give yourself some time to have a look round. There is a charge of around £4 per adult to enter.

Thornton Abbey was originally colonised from Kirkham Priory in North Yorkshire, the Augustinian house at Thornton being founded in 1139 by William le Gros, Earl of Yorkshire. Less than ten years later it was raised to the status of an abbey and in 1518 became a mitred abbey.

One interesting story from Thornton Abbey is that of Sir Thomas de Grethem, abbot in the 14th Century, at the time that the imposing gatehouse was built. He was accused of witchcraft, tried and found guilty. His punishment was to be bricked up in his dungeon. His skeleton was found by workmen in the 1830s, sitting at a table with a book and candlestick. He is said still to haunt the abbey.

Also worthy of note is the nearby Abbey Farm, where you can pick your own organically grown fruit and vegetables (turn left along the lane at Waymark 18).

Dog owners, please note the possible presence of livestock, some dog-unfriendly stiles and some narrow footbridges.

England - East England - Lincolnshire - Humberside

Features

Ancient Monument, Castle, Church, Food Shop, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport

6/5/2011 - janet marris

This was a nice walk until we got to a lane (9) leaving the village of East Halton where we had to climb over 2 tied gates to proceed with the walk then when we got to the farm (10) we were greeted with a beware of the bull sign. The footpath to the field with the cattle had crops sown, there was no visable path. Then the farmer and his wife came out and told us to walk back to the main road as we wouldn't want to go in the field with the bull. A group of 7 people walking so far on a main road was not appropriate...there fore this walk is not a suitable walk...very very disappointed.