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
Newsham Abbey ~ The Earthworks
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 |
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!