Halesowen Abbey

Title: Halesowen Abbey

Built in: 1215

Location: Manor Way, Halesowen, B26 8RJ

Short intro: The picturesque ruins of a medieval Abbey

Description: Halesowen Abbey was founded in 1215 by a group of catholic canons known as Premonstratensians, or the ‘White Canons’, under a grant from King John. The abbey became incredibly wealthy and owned an extensive local estate. However, when under King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, the Abbey had its estates confiscated. The lands were granted to John Dudley, first duke of Northumberland. The Abbey fell into disrepair, and in the industrial revolution, some of its stonework would be carried away as building materials. Some large standing ruins survive, under the guardianship of English heritage, and can be seen by visitors.