Stanlaw Abbey was in an exposed situation near the Mersey estuary and it suffered from a series of disasters. In 1279 it was flooded by water from the Mersey and in 1287 during a fierce storm, its tower collapsed and part of the abbey was destroyed by fire.
Stanlaw Abbey's vulnerability to natural events and subsequent calamities is highlighted. The abbey was exposed to both flooding and storms, which led to structural damage and fires.