The site is privately owned but maintained by English Heritage and can be reached by a riverside walk from Richmond Castle.

The Abbey of St Agatha, Easby, was founded in 1152 by Roald, Constable of Richmond Castle.

Like most northern monasteries, Easby suffered from frequent Scottish raids during the Middle Ages.

Great damage was caused to Easby and Egglestone Abbey in 1346 when the English army was billeted there on its way to the Battle of Neville's Cross.

The abbey was abandoned and left to fall into ruins, though some of the best features were salvaged: the fine canopied choir stalls are now found in Richmond parish church.