Rushen Abbey

Rushen Abbey is an abbey on the Isle of Man, located near Ballasalla. Originally home for monks of the Savignac order, it soon came under Cistercian control and remained so until its dissolution. The abbey is located two miles from Castle Rushen; the most important political entity on the island in medieval times.HistoryThe abbey was founded in 1134, under Óláfr Guðrøðarson's control. He granted the land to Savignac monks from Furness Abbey. In 1147 the abbey came under Cistercian rule following the merging of the Savignac and Cistercian orders. The abbey church dedicated to St Mary was completed in 1257. The abbey was dissolved in 16th century. In 1853 the Isle of Man Government bought Rushen Abbey with the intention of turning it into a Lunatic Asylum, but it was never used for such a purpose, and in 1864 an Act was passed revoking the sale.In the early 1900s, the abbey ruins became a popular tourist destination, famous for the strawberries and cream served in its gardens. After falling into disrepair after World War II, the abbey was acquired by Manx National Heritage in May 1998, and restorations have now been made. Soon after, excavations began and archaeologists were able to discover more about the monks' way of life and practices.