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Kirkstall Abbey, 1891
Photo ref: 28289
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More about this scene

Cleanliness in the 12th and 13th centuries was certainly next to Godliness. The Cistercians, like the Knights Templar, were not noted for their standards of personal hygiene and rarely washed. At Kirkstall the monks had the benefit of piped water so that they might wet rather than wash their hands before entering the refectory. There was also a bath, but its use was probably limited. The Catholic Church considered bathing in public to be sinful, though taking the waters at holy wells to relieve aches and pains was acceptable.

An extract from Leeds Photographic Memories.

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Leeds Photographic Memories

Leeds Photographic Memories

The photo 'Kirkstall Abbey, 1891' appears in this book.

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A Selection of Memories from Kirkstall

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Kirkstall

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

In among my family genealogical records is a note that an ancestor of mine named Richard de Berecrofte gave lands to Kirkstall Abbey in the 12th century.  I am SO looking forward to visiting the Abbey next year and taking my own pictures of it! It is my understanding that my ancestors left the Cliviger area about 1650 for Boston, MA. I am retiring next year and have lived most of my ...see more