Kirkstall in Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Warming House
Kirkstall Abbey
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 19, 2025
1. The Warming House Marker
Smoke would have passed up a chimney and out through the roof. The line of a roof sheltering the firewood can be seen on the dormitory building opposite. At first there were no other fires except in the kitchens for cooking. As discipline was relaxed, fireplaces and chimneys were created in the other buildings for greater comfort. Opposite the fireplace is the base of the later Medieval daystairs leading up to the monks' dormitory on the first floor of the east range.
"We monks are only allowed to stay in the Warming House for 15 minutes, even in winter! It is considered a sin if we become used to much comfort."
(Top:) In later years fires were lit in other rooms of the Abbey, not just in the warming house.
(Above:) The remains of the fireplace which was once lit between November and Easter each year.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 53° 49.234′ N, 1° 36.398′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in England’s Yorkshire & The Humber. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Refectory (a few steps from this marker); Other Rooms Leading from The Cloister (a few steps from this marker); The East Range (a few steps from this marker); The Chapter House (a few steps from this marker); Changes in Abbey Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cloister (within shouting distance of this marker); The Abbot's Lodging (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 19, 2025
2. The Warming House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
