Newsham Abbey & Newsham Lodge in Lincolnshire
We’ll pick up where we left off, as if nothing had happened in fact, with the second instalment of my trip to find Newsham Abbey, or what remains of the earthworks to be more precise.
After stumbling across Newsham Bridge in the first action-packed instalment I set out to find the ground where once stood a 12th century Abbey
Note: English Heritage refer to it as Newsham Abbey but also say it is known as Newhouse Abbey
This also brought about something of a surprise. Cycling with gusto and a a fair rate of knots I began to suspect I may have overshot the bridle path I was looking for so seeing a little turn off the main road I took it to consult the map and was immediately confronted by this !
Newsham Lodge
I simply couldn’t believe my luck, I’d set out looking for nothing more than bumps and mounds in a field and ended up with not only the bridge but now this !
The Lodge was built in 1815 and designed by Wyatville, it acts as an approach - gatehouse to Brocklesby Park and is not connected with Newhouse Abbey, no less impressive though.
I believe everything that the eye can see around here is owned by Lord Yarborough and al is on private property so permission should be sought should you wish to visit yourself
Area Around Newhouse Abbey
Above you’ll see the area in question. The Premonstratensian Abbey, and notably the first Premonstratensian house in England, here was founded in 1143 and finally fell victim to the dissolution and was given to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.
It is believed it was pulled down and the masonry used for the foundation of Brocklesby Hall which was built in 1603.
With much of it shrouded by dense woodland and undergrowth it’s fair to say it’s not exactly a sightseer’s paradise but that’s not why I came.
I get great pleasure simply by being at such an ancient and historic site, you mind, predictably I suppose, is soon filled with thoughts of what went on here over the centuries.
I’m also given to wonder how many people still come to look at some the the places I visit, probably they’re few and far between - but that’s good - I hate the idea of running with the pack !
 One of the monks from the bridge It is believed to be from the Abbey |
 A beautiful piece of carved stone from the abbey itself |
 Here is a tomb lid which is mounted inside the lodge |
A Glazed Floor Tile from Newhouse Abbey
Fuelled by what I, possibly mistakenly, believe to be great successes in these areas 
I am more than a little fired up for more of the same.
I have been aided in my research by a friendly bookseller, yes there are such people, who supplies all my books in these new areas of interest and regularly finds snippets of value and interest in the most obscure publications (such as great leads to something in Lincoln from a 1925 Methodist handbook no less). He got me a 1951 Ordnance Survey map of the area so I can cross reference it with my modern one, not to mention my 1610 one !
I’ve already spotted something that’s not on the new map so we’ll be off again !
It’s worth pointing out that if you have any interests yourself then do visit local secondhand bookshops, they are a veritable treasure trove of information and good books. It also pays to strike up a relationship with your local shop as they’ll always keep an eye out for books which may be of interest to you.
I’ll put this one to bed now and wish you all well
Monkishly Yours
Rod
See also: Newhouse Castle
Little Brother said,
July 2, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
Rod,
A great find, I envy you. Hope to have something of interest in the next day or so for you.
LB
Rod said,
July 3, 2009 @ 7:08 am
LB,
sounds intriguing - looking forward to it already
Cheers
Rod
Little Brother said,
July 3, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Rod,
scrap that…thunderstorms due any minute
LB
Annie Flinn said,
July 4, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
I think we should begin calling you Lincolnshire Collins, ala Indiana Jones. I am picturing you in scruffy clothes, fedora pulled firmly down across your brow, bullwhip at the ready. Such great adventures. Thanks for sharing.
Annie
Rod said,
July 4, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
Annie,
it’s a pleasure to share the days out - makes them even more worthwhile in fact.
Cheers
Rod
chris keyworth said,
July 28, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Rod try looking at Newhouse Abbey a bit closer it is there in all its glory trust me, you have not seen nothing, ive been researching the site for 18 years and uncovered loads of interesting facts that you would only ever dream about contact me com and see me and i will point you in the right direction for hundreds of sites in our area i am only in immingham get in contact
Rod said,
July 28, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
Hi Chris,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return.
I’ll look into the Abbey today all being well - I’m always very keen to hear of sites and to add them to the site with as much info and history as possible.
I hope to take you up on the offer
All the best
Rod
Chris Keyworth said,
July 28, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
http://beehive.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=2633
this is a site i put up a few years ago about Newsham Abbey, i also have some Info on Nunn Cotham Priory and Limber Grange but here is one you probably are not aware of THE BATTLE OF RIBY GAP Civil war.
and the CIVIL WAR FORTIFICATION near Laceby
Roman Villa at Great Limber
Roman Fortified town at Kirmington
Yarborough Camp Existing Roman Fortification
Roman Temple at Riby
Humberston The Land of the Giants.
the list is emense and ive looked at most of the obscure sites in our area.
Rod said,
July 28, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
Hi Chris,
that’s fantastic - I’ll look into them all out in the next couple of days and the site as well - many thanks
All the best
Rod
chris keyworth said,
October 23, 2009 @ 11:57 am
Major Request to Everyone….
I have recenently been told that a 16th Century Landscape painting featuring Newhouse abbey does exist in a collection somwhere in the UK, I have been unable to locate it after three days of trawling the Net, can anyone find it with there search browsers, I am fresh out of ideas with this one Help Required Please……
Regards
Chris
Rod said,
October 23, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
Chris,
let’s try and track it down for you - nice to be able to give a bit back which I’m sure all would agree.
That said, you have cost me a small fortune in petrol
If we cannot locate it by trying all search means I’ll write a post specifically requesting info for you - you never know it may turn up something
Cheers
Rod - just back from East Halton
chris keyworth said,
October 23, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
thanks rod that would be great,
did you manage to find everything ok……
regards
chris
Rod said,
October 23, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
Chris,
Oh yes - very successful day thank you - coordinates spot on - as always - many thanks.
Will get the post up asap
Spent an hour on your search but no joy as yet - been trying art gallery and auction searches etc
Best
Rod
Christy Rickers said,
October 31, 2009 @ 4:21 am
Rod,
I have enjoyed reading your descriptions and pics of the Brocklesby Park area. I have been searching the internet for info regarding the Brocklesby name. I live in Iowa, USA, and some of my ancestors have the last name Brockelsby. I also have an old postcard showing Brocklesby Hall. Been trying to figure out where the Brocklesby/Brockelsby name came from. I suppose I am descended from peasants who worked the land for the Earl! Anyway, it was fun to read your stuff.
Rod said,
October 31, 2009 @ 9:02 am
Christy,
welcome to the site and thanks for the comment.
It would be worth checking back as there’s every possibility that somebody mya read of your interest in the Brocklesby name and ost some information.
best of luck with the search
Cheers
Rod
the dinosaur said,
October 31, 2009 @ 10:05 pm
Hi Christy, I’ve done some quick research for you on the origins of your family name Brocklesby. It does indeed begin at Brocklesby Park, first recorded spelt Brochelesbi in the Domesday book 1086, a Norse word. The then Lord of the estate was known as Nigel of Brochelesbi and probably you ancestor.The first recorded person with the modern spelling of Brocklesby as their surname was in 1628. In the course of my search I came across a very eminent physician Richard Brocklesby (1722-1797) of London associated with many great people of the time, most notably the great writer Samuel Johnson. I think you should be proud of your ancestry, they certainly were not just peasants. I’m sure more could be found if you keep looking, good luck!
dendro said,
January 8, 2010 @ 11:00 pm
The picture to which you are looking for is it the 1796 pencil drawing of Newsham Priory by C. Nattes?
Rod said,
January 9, 2010 @ 8:46 am
Dendro,
that is fantastic - many thanks !
I’ve spent a while looking for it now, any tips as to where it may be found, book, gallery or the like
Thanks again Dendro
All the best
Rod
Rod said,
January 9, 2010 @ 9:00 am
Joseph Banks Collection Lincoln perhaps ?
chris keyworth said,
January 9, 2010 @ 12:07 pm
Richard
do you know exactly where to find this drawing or a refrence number for the drawing, Rod i am in lincoln at the end of the month for a LHA meeting next to the Archives i could pop in and have a look if i can get a refrence number.
regards
chris…
Rod said,
January 9, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
Chris,
I spent a while trying to find it and cannot. It could be from the sketches commissioned by Joseph Banks.
Other sketches he’s done are marked such as Banks Vol 3 and the like
I’m guessing they’re in bound volumes but I saw something related to the library which said copies could be seen or possibly originals with a photo id.
Needs looking into
Best
Rod
dendro said,
January 9, 2010 @ 1:54 pm
I have a copy of the pencil drawing dated 1796 by C, Nattes of Newsahm Priory, if that is of any help! its shows part of the the north facing nave wall although over grown there are also two pillers depicted.
chris keyworth said,
January 9, 2010 @ 2:58 pm
where did you find it Richard?
dendro said,
January 9, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
one of my great uncles had the picture on there wall, i copyed it about 7 years ago but dont have the original that went when the house was cleared after his death sorry
Christy Rickers said,
January 18, 2010 @ 10:09 pm
Dinosaur-
Thanks so much for the information. Very interesting!
History Hunter said,
March 14, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
Chris Keyworth,
Having just found this site i was looking through all the posts and saw your post from 2009 about
” i also have some Info on Nunn Cotham Priory and Limber Grange but here is one you probably are not aware of THE BATTLE OF RIBY GAP Civil war.
and the CIVIL WAR FORTIFICATION near Laceby
Roman Villa at Great Limber
Roman Fortified town at Kirmington
Yarborough Camp Existing Roman Fortification
Roman Temple at Riby
Humberston The Land of the Giants.” etc etc
I would love to know more about all of those, and more about anything else you have relating to the area. I have a big interest in local history and would love to get my legs walking and working around the local sites.
Rod said,
March 14, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
History Hunter,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - hope you’ll return to comment again.
It’s worth checking some of the other posts on the site as a couple of the things you mention have already been covered (there’s a search box top right of the page)
There’s also a great deal mre to come and evrything you mention will be covered.
What I try to do is keep all the info in one appropriate place so everything is collated and nothing lost.
Chris will no doubt be adding plenty of information to all the above posts, and in the case of those already covered has indeed done so.
All the best
Rod
History Hunter said,
March 29, 2010 @ 11:33 pm
Anybody know of an easy way to find out who owns fields around the local area? Well, anywhere actually! I know its possible to do it thru the Land Registry, but its a long drawn out affair.
Obviously i could just write to every single farmer in the yellow pages……..but even i would reckon that would be slightly too time consuming
Any ideas peeps?
Rod said,
March 30, 2010 @ 8:17 am
HH,
land registry costs money for every request unfortunately.
I would imagine all the land around the abbey to be owned by Lord Yarborough - I’m sure CK would be able to tell you for sure though.
Cheers
Rod
chris keyworth said,
March 30, 2010 @ 1:04 pm
yes its all lord yarboroughs land Tony
regards
chris
History Hunter said,
March 30, 2010 @ 2:11 pm
Well i didnt specifically mean the area of Newsham Lodge etc…(i only added it on this thread because it was the first one that came up)….i just meant in general, moreso in and around grimsby. I know the whole of the area around Brocklesby belongs to the one individual who spoils it for everyone else who would love to have a metal detecting session or 10 on his land. Miserable so and so
Rod said,
April 20, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Update:
revisited the site today.
My third visit, the last one being with CK when we found the unearthed carved stone.
A picture was added to the original post above. Chris proved to be right when I asked him what would happen to this lovely stone - some of it has indeed, very sadly, shattered with the frost.
This site is deserving of some proper work and conservation !
Jed said,
April 21, 2010 @ 12:39 am
At the site of the old gamekeepers cottage in newhouse/ newshams wood is one of the main pillars from the centre aisle of the abbey, it is about 4 feet across hexagonal and about four feet below ground level. I was surrounded by boards to retain the soil and had a cast iron fence around the top to stop people falling in.
Today or should I say the last time i saw it you would hardly know it ever existed, but i would say it would only take a few mins to unearth once again, from this pillar it will enable with the use of dimensions of other abbeys to work out where the others lie and where floor level is, the lie of the abbey wil be east /west north/ south in the shape of a cross. There always used to be lots of carved stone in the dykes around the cottage and ploughed around the field edges.
I odrered a book once , the only one in the world from the british library, about the white cannons at newhouse abbey, it never came to immingham library for me to inspect, I was researching the abbey at the time and it will be twenty years nearly now since I stopped, my work has now long gone, I just have the memories of what I new at the time, more will come back as I think about it. I spent time down these woods as a boy as i also did on the other historic sites from thornton abbey to the airfields , the last days before industry and vandalism started to erode our history and leave only tales and pictures for the coming generations.
Rod said,
April 21, 2010 @ 7:12 am
Jed,
wow !
that’s another fantastic comment - I’ll have to look into the pillar.
I wonder whether it is worth us making enquiries about that book again Jed - I know I would love to see it and I suspect Chris Keyworth would walk to the BL barefoot to see it !
It’s a crying shame your research has gone Jed, so much does which is why I treasure comments like yours on the site - it preserves fantastic information and allows others to read and enjoy it.
Every snippet is, as I say from time-to-time Jed, Gold Dust !
Many thanks again for taking the time and hope to hear more on this or anything else and and when you can Jed
All the best
Rod
chris keyworth said,
April 21, 2010 @ 8:03 am
hi Jed
the pillar you speak of i know of quite well and remember it as you discribed however it is not the Nave of the Abbey Church it way to far to the north and on the site of the Castle, i have reseearched the site extensivly and prob have the book in my collection, my research is still with me loads of info in it ….
regards
chris
Amiguru said,
April 22, 2010 @ 6:31 am
Here is an image I’ve put together straight out of Dugdale’s late 17th. century entry for Newsham Abbey. Although Jed doesn’t give a title for the book he wished to peruse all those years ago I wonder if this was it? As far as I can find out this is a fair representation of the habit of the ‘White Canons’. Even if it isn’t the same book I think it is hauntingly intrigueing image. Could that be ‘Newhus’ in the background?
Rod said,
April 22, 2010 @ 6:34 am
Neville,
that’s fantastic, as always.
We’re still after a definite picture of the place, remember mention of the Nattes drawing a while back, I had hoped to get a scan but it never came through sadly.
Regards
Rod
Rod said,
April 22, 2010 @ 6:35 am
Jed,
can you remember anything about the book you mention, title or author etc - I could try and trace it.
Also, in your research did you come across of illustrations of the Abbey at all.
Thanks in advance Jed as anything you remember is greatly valued here
All the best
Rod
chris keyworth said,
April 22, 2010 @ 8:48 am
Nev
the picture above is an incorrect representation of a cannon from Newhouse, its to lavish and wearing slippers this is more like a 17th century European cannon i have this pic in my notes from the dugdale monasticom
regards
chris
History Hunter said,
April 22, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Looks nothing like a Newhouse cannon…..after all, you cant see the cannon balls!!!!
Thankyou, thankyou………..im here all week!
Amiguru said,
April 23, 2010 @ 12:56 pm
Chris,
My statement was: “As far as I can find out this is a fair representation of the habit of the ‘White Canons’.” You will notice that I said “of the ‘White Canon’s”, I did not say that this is how a Newhouse canon would look exactly. For those unfamiliar with the subject Premonstratensians, Norbertines and White Canons are essentially the same thing and are all members of the same Order and follow the same ‘Rules’.
I have looked at several images, of varying dates, of the Order’s dress and although there are minor variations over time, effectively they are similar. The Premonstratensians still exist and the modern garb is not dissimilar to the one in the above image. I think that the only major variation is the fur stole which may have been a regional variation or may well have been a ‘winter’ addition to their garb as abbeys were pretty cold places during that season and they spent long periods performing their reverential duties. The only parts of the abbey which had a fire were the ‘Warming House’, where they were allowed to go following periods of prayer etc., and the Infirmary.
As I understand it, Rod’s intended ethos for this website is to share information in order that we may all discover new things together. That is why I am constantly offering support in all of the threads where I feel that it might be of value. Perhaps you might like to follow suit by posting an image of a ‘Newhouse’ Canon to demonstrate the difference?
Kind regards,
Neville
chris keyworth said,
April 23, 2010 @ 1:46 pm
please see above photo of a cannon of newhouse depicted on the bridge over Newsham lake note that there are no slippers on his feet this is an important fact i can also say having seen the head of one of the statues they never had hats on and most of them were bearded, before anyone comments yes i know the bridge is not contempary to the Abbey but i also now know that the statues are contempary and a true representation… stone samples have been carried out and they are conclusive…
regards
chris
Rod said,
April 23, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
As I understand it, Rod’s intended ethos for this website is to share information in order that we may all discover new things together
Absolutely correct.
My hope is to keep getting these articles up so as to offer an organized home for any bits of information that may come to light - watching how some of the threads build with new information over time is one of the most pleasing aspects of the site for me - check out the Toote Hill thread for a vintage example.
I thinks it’s also crucial that everybody feels they can contribute should they wish. If any of us disagree or have a different point of view then it is, of course, crucial we raise the point . . . but let’s do so in a nice and constructive way.
I should hate to think somebody didn’t want to share something lest they be unsympathetically treated - just think there may be somebody out there with an illustration of this abbey . . . we wouldn’t want them to hesitate.
As always contributions are hugely appreciated and make the site what it is- we’re all the poorer without people leaving opinions, ideas, new findings, suggestions and general comments.
Regards to all
Rod (deep in new bunker pics)
Amiguru said,
June 14, 2010 @ 11:54 pm
Rod,
In these times of mixed fortunes, there are winners and losers. It strikes me that there were parallels for those affected by the dissolution and dismantling of the religious houses in the mid 16th century. There were those engaged in creaming off the assets of the abandoned establishments at one extreme, (see my comments on Messrs. Cromwell and Heneage on the Wellow Abbey thread), and then there were those turned out and unable to make a living through infirmity, imbecility or simple old age.
In between though, there were some who were somewhere in between, perhaps favoured by status or their own wits and adaptability. One such, I feel, was the Abbot of Newhus. Here is his entry in an account book of the pensions handed out to those disturbed at the dissolution:
“Thomas Harpham cl[er]k formerly abbot of Newhouse (Newsome) with a pen[sion] of £20 granted 2 July, 28 Hy. VIII. He is not nor has been married. He is r[ector] of Flixborough worth £13 10s. p.a.”
I feel he fared quite well against the cost of living at that time. Others however, were not so fortunate as I shall reveal on the appropriate threads.
Signed, A poor empathetic pensioner
Neville
Rod said,
June 15, 2010 @ 8:42 am
Neville,
another superb find - particularly interesting as £20 per annum was really quite a sum back then unlike the £2 you cite on the Immingham church find.
Fabulous information and my heart goes out to you and your circumstances as ‘a pensioner’
Best
Rod
chris keyworth said,
June 16, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
The premonastratensians faired better than most as they were allowed to become vicars of there local churches and many did, there is some evicence that Newhouse continued after the dissolution right up until the 1750s
regards
chris
Rod said,
June 16, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
Chris,
so they could well have had a real result in as much as drawing a pension plus still earning elsewhere ?
Cheers
Rod
chris keyworth said,
June 16, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
Yes almost certainly,
there were 12 canons counted at the disolution and after the supresion in 1536 the abbot was granted a pension and 10 of his cannons recieved payments also.
the actual supression of newhouse was in 1536 and the value of the lands of habrough allotments was £7-1s-2d.
of the canons themselves, premonastratensians had some advantages in that they could continue in there own right as incumbents of the church they had been serving.
it seems Thomas of Doncaster got a good deal out of the dissolution
there is still an active Premonastratensian cell near flixborough at crowel and has been there since the revival in the 1800s..
Regards
Chris
Rod said,
June 16, 2010 @ 7:49 pm
Chris,
very interesting - there’s some real meat one the bones of this thread now - I just went through it all - great stuff.
Many thanks for all the help
Best
Rod
Rod said,
July 3, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Newhouse Abbey Update:
Picture of a, presumed, floor tile from the abbey added to the original post
chris keyworth said,
July 3, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
rod
yes looks like a type 5 there are simmilar to this at thornton abbey probably made just off the river hull this although looking brown would have been a dark green nearly black is there any kiln prop marks on it or finger marks in the clay on the revers?
regards
chris
Rod said,
July 4, 2010 @ 8:51 am
Chris,
just checked it for marks and there are none I can see though it is only a partial tile and the reverse still has ‘mortar’ on it
Best
Rod