Premonstratensian Abbeys in the UK
The Premonstratensians are a religious order – in the same way as the Cistercians or the Franciscans. Their rather odd name derives from the name of their mother house – founded at Prémontré, near Laon in northern France. Hence Premonstratensians.
The order was founded by St Norbert around 1120. It was based on Augustinian rules, but was founded for ordained priests – hence the Premonstratensians are termed canons, rather than monks. They are occasionally referred to, after their founder, as Norbertines or, after their mode of dress as ‘the White Canons’. A more detailed account of the origins of the order is given HERE
Statue of St Norbert at Floreffe Abbey in Belgium -Floreffe was the second Premonstratensian house to be founded by Norbert
The order spread rapidly through Europe and the first Premonstratensians arrived in England in 1143, founding their first house at Newhouse (or Newsham) in Lincolnshire. They went on to establish thirty-seven abbeys, two nunneries and four other priories in Britain.
There is a summary of the history and archaeology of each site presented on the gazetteer pages HERE