View from The Priory Gate
Our History
The Abbey Residential Home is situated on the site of an old monastery founded by the Gilbertine Order in 1150. The Gilbertines were the only medieval religious order of English Origin. The undercroft of the original monastery kitchen survives under The Abbey together with a labyrinth of tunnels (now sealed) that reputably run all the way to Malton Town Centre.
Eventually in 1988, The Abbey Residential Home was created. We are proud to say that it has evolved into one of the most recognised privately run homes in the area.
Our Rooms
Our rooms beautifully reflect the historic charm and character of the building, with many offering lovely views across the gardens ad surrounding countryside. We encourage residents to personalise their space with cherished belongings, favourite photographs, and familiar touches that bring comfort and reassurance. Our goal is to ensure that each resident has more than just a bedroom, but a peaceful and private sanctuary.
Our Location
We sit just outside the walls of St Mary’s Church in Old Malton, surrounded by mature trees with stunning views over the North Yorkshire countryside, River Derwent and our own gardens. In spite of this serenity, we are within minutes of the thriving town centre of Malton which boasts ‘Yorkshire's Food Capital’ with many independent, shops, bars and restaurants selling local fresh produce.
Charles Dickens
The Abbey Residential Home is situated on the site of a monastery founded by the Gilbertine Order in 1150. We still have a crypt underneath the building and sealed tunnels that reputably once ran all the way to Malton.
After the dissolution of the monastery in 1540, The Abbey became the private residence of Robert Holgate, the former master of the Gilbertine Order. He went on to found three grammar schools, including Malton School. The priory's main surviving building is St Mary's church , which is now a parish church. It is the only church of the Gilbertine Order still in regular use and is next to The Abbey.
The property eventually passed into the hands of Charles Smithson, a local solicitor, whose family practice was situated in Chancery Lane in Malton. During training Smithson moved to London and became acquainted with Charles Dickens.
The Smithson's family firm offices in Chancery Lane Malton became the inspiration for Scrooge's counting house in A Christmas Carol.
Charles Smithson moved to and took up residence at The Abbey in 1844. Unfortunately, he died that same year. Charles Smithson lives still as Mr Spenlow of Spenlow and Dorkins in David Copperfield. Like Spenlow, Smithson failed to leave a will. In a letter to his wife from The Abbey, Dickens describes how the family had searched high and low at Smithson's Office and Abbey House ( The Abbey) but nothing was found.
So, when you choose The Abbey as your home, you follow in the footsteps of one of the worlds most famous authors.
Extracts taken from "Charles Dickens- The Malton Connection" Written by Ian R Wray -Great Great Great Nephew of Charles Smithson