St. Mary's Abbey is a historic site located in York, England. Founded in the 11th century, it was one of the most important monasteries in the region. The abbey was home to a community of Benedictine monks who followed a strict religious routine and contributed to the local economy through agriculture and craftsmanship. Today, the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey are part of Museum Gardens, a public park that showcases the abbey's architectural remains. Visitors can explore the site and learn about its history, including its dissolution during the English Reformation in the 16th century, which led to the decline of monastic life in England.