Description:An aerial view of Oulton, looking north-east, with Oulton Abbey bottom right.
The original building at Oulton Abbey, formerly Oulton House, was built by William Dent in the mid 18th century. It was inherited by his son Thomas Dent, a solicitor, in 1778. Thomas Dent sold his property at Tean in 1782, and used the funds to capitalize the Oulton estate. Thomas died in 1816, making John Joule, the brewer, one of the trustees of his estate. John Dent ( who became Coroner in 1826) his second living son was declared bankrupt in 1821, which brought about liquidation of the estate and sale of Oulton House in 1822. John Joule took the opportunity to by the estate and added a new front in 1822.
Between 1835 and 1838 it was occupied by the Duke of Sutherland while Trentham Hall was being altered. Between 1838 and 1853 it was a private asylum run by Sarah Bakewell and was known as Oulton Retreat.
Since 1853 it has been occupied by Benedictine nuns and became known as St Mary's Abbey. The nuns have also established a playgroup (since 1968) and Our Lady and St. Benedict's Nursing and Residential Home (since 1989).
The Abbey chapel was built in 1854 to designs by Edward Welby Pugin. A Chapter House, Presbytery and Sacristy were added in 1892.