Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire | Historic Yorkshire Guide HERITAGE RATING: ? HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: One of the highlights of English heritage; the superb vaulting of the undercroft should not be missed. Fountains Abbey There is so much to see at Fountains that it is impossible to think of it as a single historic attractions. It is much more; a magnificent medieval abbey, an elegant Georgian water garden, a richly decorated Victorian church, and a medieval deer park. We'll start with the earliest monument, the abbey. Fountains Abbey was established by Benedictine monks from St Mary's Abbey in York, in 1132. Within a year, however, it was turned over to the Cistercian order, who intended to use it as a centre for missionery work in the north of England, and as a mother house for further monasteries in the north and into Scotland. Inside 50 years Fountains had become the most important Cistecian house in England. The original abbey was a random scattering of simple timber structures, but through the 1140s these were gradually replaced with a more formal arrangement around a traditional monastic cloister.

The church was the first building to be rebuilt in stone, and this was finished by 1136. However, in 1146 the timber buildings burned down and the monks were forced to start again. What's in a name? The name 'Fountains Abbey' comes from the large number of natural springs in the area. Certainly the monks were never short of water. Today the abbey ruins are part of the elegant 18th century water garden of Studley Royal park, so water continues to play an important part in the story of Fountains. The abbey buildings were gradually rebuilt in stone, and under powerful abbots like Henry Murdac (1144-1147) and Robert of Pipewell (1170-1180), Fountains began to grow into one of the largest and wealthiest abbeys in England. A large part of that wealth was based on sheep; Fountains was known for its wool, and trading in that wool brought enormous wealth to the abbey over the entire medieval period. Large amounts of that wealth was put into enlarging the abbey buildings and enriching the architecture.

The fruits of that wealth can be seen today in the exraordinarily rich decoration of the abbey ruins, particularly the magnificent vaulting of the undercroft, which is one of the true high points of medieval Gothic architecture in England. Life at Fountains The Cistercians had a very highly developed system, which varied little from one abbey to the next. For a start, most Cistercian houses were established in remote areas, far from the temptations and distractions of town and city life. The monks devoted themselves to spiritual devotion, and the day to day labour was left to lay brothers. These lay brothers worked the fields and tended sheep, and also managed far flung estates granted to the monastery over time. Dormitory undercroft As with many medieval monasteries, the wealth of Fountains lay in sheep farming, and wool provided enormous incme to the abbey in the early medieval period. But this golden age at Fountains fell foutl to a combination of raids from Scotland, poor harvests, and the devastating effects of the Black Death. The result of these factors was an economic disaster; the system that had served Fountains so well for centuries could not be maintained, and the lay brothers were replaced by hired servants.

These servants were quartered in the Outer Court, south of the River Skell. See our map of Fountains Abbey to get a better idea of how the abbey was laid out. Like all monasteries in England, Fountains fell foul of Henry VIII's reforming zeal, and the abbey was dissolved in 1539. The crown sold off the abbey and 500 acres of land in 1540. Stone from the monastic buildings was used by Sir Stephen Proctor to build nearby Fountain Hall in 1598-1604. Proctor did not get along with the Mallorie family who owned the neighbouring Studley Royal estate since the late 15th century. He was a firm Protestant and was suspected of acting as an informer against his Catholic neighbours on behalf of James I. If he did have royal support it did not help with his legal bills, for Proctor died in debt. Fountains Hall was owned by John Messenger and the Messenger family held it until 1768 when it was purchased by William Aislabie, who combined the two estates into one.

Fountains Abbey from Anne Boleyn's Seat Aislabie incorporated the abbey ruins into his parkland, intending it as a picturesque garden feature; a focal point for his landscaped water garden. Aislabie demolished some abbey features and embellished others in an attempt to make the ruins fit with his romantic ideals. When the abbey was investigated by archaeologists in the 1850s many of Aislabie's 'improvements' were removed. The abbey is encircled by a stone precinct wall, built in the early 13th century. This wall survives to its full height on the south and southwest of the site.To the south east of the abbey ruins is the site of the Seven Sisters, a cluster of yew trees where monks sheltered from the elements while erecting the first timber buildings at Fountains. Only two of the original seven trees remain, protected by an fenced enclosure. Studley Royal Water Gardens The Abbey Mill Near the the abbey is Fountains Mill, the former corn mill ffor the monks, established in the 1130s. This was rebuilt in the 1150s with two wheels atop a dam.

In the 13th century a granary was added above the mill. In the 1840s the old medieval mill was remodelled to drive a sawmill, and in the early 20th century it was used to generate electricty. The mill was completely restored in 1993 and now gives visitors a chance to watch the 1840s wheel in operation. Studley Royal A short stroll along the Skell from the abbey ruins brings you to Studley Royal Water Gardens, an elegant 18th century landscape of curving pools and classical statues, grottos, temples, and terraces, surrounded by a medieval deer park. There are fabulous views from Anne Boleyn's Seat, on Surprise Hill, looking back along the river to the soaring tower of Fountains. Every time I've climbed the hill to the viewpoint I have found artists sitting quietly, painting the view. Once you see it, you'll know why; it truly must be one of the finest views in England. Another of the garden highlights is the Serpentine Tunnel, a winding - and completely dark - tunnel rising up from the river to High Ride.

The Serpentine was intended to give guests to Studly Royal an enjoyable shiver as they passed through darkness and emerged into light. Just outside the gardens themselves is the Victorian church of Studley, with a wonderful decorated interior. Fountains Abbey arches Though we tend to think of Studley Royal as a Georgian creation, there was actually a park here as early as 1343. We know very little about the park until 1577 when there is documentary evidence that it was used as a deer park. The northern section of the park was landscaped in the 1680s, with the addition of avenues. But the real transformation began in 1718 when John Aislabie, former Exchequer, was expelled from government for his role in the South Sea Bubble Scandal. Aislabie retired to his Yorkshire estates and devoted himself to creating a fashionable pleasure ground and water garden from his parkland. John's work was finished by son, William, who finally incorporated the abbey ruins into the park. St Mary's Church A subsequent owner, George Robinson, 1st Marquis of Ripon, built St Mary's church, and removed a number of garden features.

In the 19th century Studley Royal was a popular destination for sightseers, and in 1853 an admision fee was charged for the first time. As for the intriguing church, it is situated on an avenue aligned with thew west front of Ripon Cathedral. St Mary's is one of a pair of churches built to commemorate Frederick Vyner, brother of Henrietta, the 1st Marchioness of Ripon. Architect William Burges designed St Mary's, and its sister church at Skelton on Ure, in Early English style, considered by most Victorians to be the most perfectly 'Enlish' form of architecture. The interior decoration represents Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, with ornate furnishings in glass, polisherd marble, stonework, mosaics, and gilding. The church was active from 1877 until it was declared redundant in 1970. Visiting Fountains I've been lucky enough to visit Fountains several times. I love it. It can be crowded, particularly on sunny summer days, but the grounds are large enough to take plenty of visitors. Many families bring picnics and relax amid the ruins.

For atmosphere and a beautiful setting it is hard to beat. About Fountains Abbey Building Surveyors Ripon | David Moor Chartered Surveyors Home / Building Surveyors in Ripon Building Surveyors in Ripon David Moor, Established Building Surveyors In York Located just 10 miles north of the centre of Harrogate is the charming City of Ripon. The City has an interesting historical background including Viking raids and Norman rule, which is evidenced by some of the amazing buildings that still stand. Perhaps the biggest tourist attraction is Fountains Abbey, which is situated 3 miles southwest of the centre. Set in the grounds of the stunning Studley Royal Park, Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England. The Grade I listed building was in operation for more than 400 years, until Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In the centre of the City stands Ripon Cathedral, which has seen people come to worship there for over 1,350 years. Although four churches have stood on the site, the ancient Saxon crypt is one remaining part of the original building, which is believed to be the second stone building built in the historical kingdom of Northumbria.

Ripon really is a great place to live, whether you are looking for a quaint City to retire in, or a quiet base from which to commute to Harrogate, York or Leeds. David Moor Chartered Surveyors in Ripon have a wealth of experience in the local area, covering all types of property. We specialise in providing: Building Surveys Fountains Abbey | historical abbey, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom | Britannica.com historical abbey, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom THIS IS A DIRECTORY PAGE. Britannica does not currently have an article on this topic. The ruins of Fountains Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, England Andy Williams Learn about this topic in these articles: in Ripon (England, United Kingdom) ...The city also has a spacious market square and is a local service and tourist centre for Yorkshire Dales National Park to the west. Studley Royal Water Garden, containing the impressive ruins of Fountains Abbey, a Cistercian monastery, is located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Ripon; the complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Pop.

(2001) 15,922; (2011) 16,702. Huby's Tower at Fountains Abbey near Ripon, North Yorkshir… | Flickr Saffy H By: Saffy H Huby's Tower at Fountains Abbey near Ripon, North Yorkshire, England - October 2012 Pretty much all of the East Window was once filled with many small gothic windows, it was completely removed in the 18thC to make it look more romantic & ruinous. Behind is Huby's Tower. The view of Huby's Tower which was built 1495-1526 from the East Window. It was named after Abbot Marmaduke Huby who commissioned its erection. It is a tower designed to leave no doubt in the mind about the wealth of Fountains amongst the English Cistercian Order. It rises to 170 ft and was split into five storey's. The design of the windows varies with each storey.

The information was provided by flickr user "Scumbag*College" whose brilliant photos can be seen at :- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountains_Abbey Fountains Abbey is approximately three miles south west of Ripon in North Yorkshire, England near to the village of Aldfield. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for over 400 years, until 1539, when Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. The abbey is a Grade I listed building owned by the National Trust and part of the designated Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey UNESCO World Heritage Site. History After a dispute and riot in 1132 at the Benedictine house, St Mary's Abbey, in York, 13 monks were expelled and, after unsuccessfully attempting to return to the early 6th-century Rule of St Benedict, were taken into the protection of Thurstan, Archbishop of York.[2] He provided them with land in the valley of the River Skell, a tributary of the Ure.

The enclosed valley had all the natural features needed for the creation of a monastery, providing shelter from the weather, stone and timber for building, and a supply of running water.[3] After enduring a harsh winter in 1133, the monks applied to join the Cistercian order and in 1135 became the second house of that order in northern England, after Rievaulx. The monks subjected themselves to Clairvaux Abbey, in Burgundy which was under the rule of St Bernard. Under the guidance of Geoffrey of Ainai, a monk sent from Clairvaux, the group learned how to celebrate the seven Canonical Hours and were shown how to construct wooden buildings in accordance with Cistercian practice.[4][5] After Henry Murdac was elected to the abbacy in 1143, the small stone church and timber claustral buildings were replaced. Within three years, an aisled nave had been added to the stone church, and the first permanent claustral buildings built in stone and roofed in tile had been completed.

In 1146 an angry mob, displeased with Murdac's role in opposing the election of William FitzHerbert to the archbishopric of York, attacked the abbey and burnt down all but the church and some surrounding buildings.[6] The community recovered swiftly from the attack and founded four daughter houses. Henry Murdac resigned the abbacy in 1147 to become the Archbishop of York and was replaced first by Maurice, Abbot of Rievaulx then, on the resignation of Maurice, by Thorald. Thorald was forced by Henry Murdac to resign after two years in office. The next abbot, Richard, held the post until his death in 1170 and restored the abbey's stability and prosperity. In 20 years as abbot, he supervised a huge building programme which involved completing repairs to the damaged church and building more accommodation for the increasing number of recruits. Only the chapter house was completed before he died and the work was ably continued by his successor, Robert of Pipewell, under whose rule the abbey gained a reputation for caring for the needy.

The next abbot was William who presided over the abbey from 1180 to 1190 and he was succeeded by Ralph Haget, who had entered Fountains at the age of 30 as a novice, after pursuing a military career. During the European famine of 1194 Haget ordered the construction of shelters in the vicinity of the abbey and provided daily food rations to the poor enhancing the abbey's reputation for caring for the poor and attracting more grants from wealthy benefactors. In the first half of the 13th century Fountains increased in reputation and prosperity under the next three abbots, John of York (1203–1211), John of Hessle (1211–1220) and John of Kent (1220–1247). They were burdened with an inordinate amount of administrative duties and increasing demands for money in taxation and levies but managed to complete another massive expansion of the abbey's buildings. This included enlarging the church and building an infirmary. In the second half of the 13th century the abbey was in more straitened circumstances.

It was presided over by eleven abbots, and became financially unstable largely due to forward selling its wool crop, and the abbey was criticised for its dire material and physical state when it was visited by Archbishop John Romeyn in 1294. The run of disasters that befell the community continued into the early 14th century when northern England was invaded by the Scots and there were further demands for taxes. The culmination of these misfortunes was the Black Death of 1349–1349. The loss of manpower and income due to the ravages of the plague was almost ruinous. A further complication arose as a result of the Papal Schism of 1378–1409. Fountains Abbey along with other English Cistertion houses was told to break off any contact with the mother house of Citeaux, which supported a rival pope. This resulted in the abbots forming their own chapter to rule the order in England and consequently they became increasingly involved in internecine politics. In 1410, following the death of Abbott Burley of Fountains, the community was riven by several years of turmoil over the election of his successor.

Contending candidates John Ripon, Abbot of Meaux, and Roger Frank, a monk of Fountains were locked in discord until 1415 when Ripon was finally appointed and presided until his death in 1434. Under abbots John Greenwell (1442–1471), Thomas Swinton (1471–8), John Darnton (1478–95), who undertook some much needed restoration of the fabric of the abbey including notable work on the church, and Marmaduke Huby (1495–1526) Fountains regained stability and prosperity. When Marmaduke Huby died he was succeeded by William Thirsk who was accused by the royal commissioners of immorality and inadequacy and dismissed from the abbacy and replaced by Marmaduke Bradley, a monk of the abbey who had reported Thirsk's supposed offences, testified against him and offered the authorities six hundred marks for the abbacy. In 1539 Bradley surrendered the abbey when Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Richard (II)1139–43John of Kent1220–47Robert Thorntonc.1289–90Thomas Paslew1434–43 Henry Murdac1144–47Stephen of Easton1247–52Robert Bishoptonc.1290/1-1311John Martin1442 Maurice1147–48William of Allerton1252–58William Rigton1311–16John Greenwell1442–71 Thorold1148–50Adam1258–59Walter Coxwold1316–36Thomas Swinton1471–78 Richard (III)1150–70Alexander1259–65Robert Copgrove1336–46John Darnton1479–95 Robert of Pipewell1170–80Reginald1267Robert Monkton1346–69Marmaduke Huby1495–1526 William of Newminster118

0–90Peter Ayling1275–79William Gower1369–84William Thirsk1526–36 Ralph Haget1190–1203Nicholas1279Robert Burley1383–1410Marmaduke Bradley1536–39 John of York1203–11Adam Ravensworth1280–84Roger Frank1410 Architecture The abbey precinct covered 70 acres (28 ha) surrounded by an 11-foot (3.4 m) wall built in the 13th century, some parts of which are visible to the south and west of the abbey.

The area consists of three concentric zones cut by the River Skell flowing from west to east across the site. The church and claustral buildings stand at the centre of the precinct north of the Skell, the inner court containing the domestic buildings stretches down to the river and the outer court housing the industrial and agricultural buildings lies on the river's south bank. The early abbey buildings were added to and altered over time, causing deviations from the strict Cistercian type. Outside the walls were the abbey's granges. Construction began in 1132 when a two-storey wooden church was built under the oversight of Geoffrey of Clairvaux.[9] A church built with locally quarried sandstone later replaced it. The original cruciform, unaisled stone church was badly damaged by fire in 1146 and rebuilt in enlarged form on the same site. This structure, completed around 1170, was 300-foot (91 m) long and had 11 bays in the side aisles. A lantern tower was added at the crossing of the church in the late 12th century.

The presbytery at the eastern end of the church was much altered in the 13th century.[10] The church's greatly lengthened choir, commenced by Abbot John of York, 1203–11, and carried on by his successor terminates, like that of Durham Cathedral, in an eastern transept, the work of Abbot John of Kent, 1220–47. The 160-foot (49 m) tall tower, which was added not long before the dissolution, by Abbot Huby, 1494–1526, is in an unusual position at the northern end of the north transept and bears Huby's motto 'Soli Deo Honor et Gloria'. The sacristry adjoined the south transept. The cloister, which had arcading of black marble from Nidderdale and white sandstone, is in the centre of the precinct and to the south of the church. The three-aisled chapter-house and parlour open from the eastern walk of the cloister and the refectory, with the kitchen and buttery attached, are at right angles to its southern walk.

Parallel with the western walk is an immense vaulted substructure serving as cellars and store-rooms, which supported the dormitory of the conversi (lay brothers) above. This building extended across the river and at its southwest corner were the latrines, built above the swiftly flowing stream. The monks' dormitory was in its usual position above the chapter-house, to the south of the transept. Peculiarities of this arrangement include the position of the kitchen, between the refectory and calefactory, and of the infirmary above the river to the west, adjoining the guest-houses. The abbot's house is located to the east of the latrine block, close to the River Skell. It was built in the mid-twelfth-century as a modest single-storey structure, then, from the fourteenth-century, underwent extensive expansion and remodelling to end up in the 16th century as a grand dwelling with fine bay windows and grand fireplaces.

Among other apartments, for the designation of which see the ground-plan, was a domestic oratory or chapel, 461⁄2-by-23-foot (14 by 7 m), and a kitchen, 50-by-38-foot (15 by 12 m). Endowments and economy Medieval monasteries were sustained by landed estates that were given to them as endowments and from which they derived an income from rents. They were the gifts of the founder and subsequent patrons, but some were purchased from cash revenues. At the outset, the Cistercian order rejected gifts of mills and rents, churches with tithes and feudal manors as they did not accord with their belief in monastic purity, because they involved contact with laymen. When Archbishop Thurstan founded the abbey he gave the community 260 acres (110 ha) of land at Sutton north of the abbey and 200 acres (81 ha) at Herleshowe to provide support while the abbey became established.

In the early years the abbey struggled to maintain itself because further gifts were not forthcoming and Thurstan could not help further because the lands he administered were not his own, but part of the diocesan estate. After a few years of impoverished struggle to establish the abbey, the monks were joined by Hugh, a former dean of York Minster, a rich man who brought a considerable fortune as well as furniture and books to start the library.[5] By 1135 the monks had acquired only another 260 acres (110 ha) at Cayton, given by Eustace fitzJohn of Knaresborough "for the building of the abbey". Shortly after the fire of 1146, the monks had established granges at Sutton, Cayton, Cowton Moor, Warsill, Dacre and Aldburgh[11] all within six miles of Fountains. In the 1140s the water mill was built on the abbey site making it possible for the grain from the granges to be brought to the abbey for milling.[12] Tannery waste from this time has been excavated on the site.

Further estates were assembled in two phases, between 1140 and 1160 then 1174 and 1175, from piecemeal acquisitions of land. Some of the lands were grants from benefactors but others were purchased from gifts of money to the abbey. Roger de Mowbray granted vast areas of Nidderdale and William de Percy and his tenants granted substantial estates in Craven which included Malham Moor and the fishery in Malham Tarn.[13] After 1203 the abbots consolidated the abbey's lands by renting out more distant areas that the monks could not easily farm themselves, and exchanging and purchasing lands that complemented their existing estates. Fountains' holdings both in Yorkshire and beyond had reached their maximum extent by 1265, when they were an efficient and very profitable estate. Their estates were linked in a network of individual granges which provided staging posts to the most distant ones.

They had urban properties in York, Yarm, Grimbsby, Scarborough and Boston from which to conduct export and market trading and their other commercial interests included mining, quarrying, iron-smelting, fishing and milling.[14] The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 was a factor that led to a downturn in the prosperity of the abbey in the early fourteenth century. Areas of the north of England as far south as York were looted by the Scots. Then the number of lay-brothers being recruited to the order reduced considerably. The abbey chose to take advantage of the relaxation of the edict on leasing property that had been enacted by the General Chapter of the order in 1208 and leased some of their properties. Others were staffed by hired labour and remained in hand under the supervision of bailiffs. In 1535 Fountains had an interest in 138 vills and the total taxable income of the Fountains estate was £1,115, making it the richest Cistercian monastery in England.

Post-monastic development The Abbey buildings and over 500 acres (200 ha) of land were sold by the Crown, on 1 October 1540, to Sir Richard Gresham, the London merchant, father of the founder of the Royal Exchange, Sir Thomas Gresham.[3] Gresham sold some of the fabric of the site, stone, timber, lead, as building materials to help to defray the cost of purchase. The site was acquired in 1597 by Sir Stephen Proctor, who used stone from the monastic complex to build Fountains Hall.

Between 1627 and 1767 the estate was owned by the Messenger family who sold it to William Aislaby who was responsible for combining it with the Studley Royal Estate.[16] The archaeological excavation of the site was begun under the supervision of John Richard Walbran, a Ripon antiquary who, in 1846, had published a paper On the Necessity of clearing out the Conventual Church of Fountains.[17] In 1966 the Abbey was placed in the guardianship of the Department of the Environment and the estate was purchased by the West Riding County Council who transferred ownership to the North Yorkshire County Council in 1974. The National Trust bought the 674-acre (273 ha) Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate from North Yorkshire County Council in 1983. World Heritage Site In 1986 the parkland in which the abbey is situated and the abbey was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was recognised for fulfilling the criteria of being a masterpiece of human creative genius, and an outstanding example of a type of building or architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.

Fountains Abbey is owned by the National Trust and maintained by English Heritage. The trust owns Studley Royal Park, Fountains Hall, to which there is partial public access, and St Mary's Church, designed by William Burges and built around 1873, all of which are significant features of the World Heritage Site.[18] The Porter's Lodge, which was once the gatehouse to the abbey, houses a modern exhibition area with displays about the history of Fountains Abbey and how the monks lived. In January 2010, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became two of the first National Trust properties to be included in Google Street View, using the Google Trike. Film location Fountains Abbey was used as a filming location by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for their single Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc) during the cold winter of December 1981.

In 1980, Hollywood also came to the site to film the final scenes to the film Omen III: The Final Conflict.[20] Other productions filmed on location at the abbey are the films The Secret Garden, The History Boys, TV series Flambards, A History of Britain, Terry Jones' Medieval Lives, Cathedral and the game show Treasure Hunt. Done Abbey Walks - UK Abbeys on Saint Bernard's Way UK Abbeys on St. Bernard’s Way Rievaulx Abbey Rievaulx Abbey was founded as a Cistercian Abbey in 1131 and is the Daughter House of Clairvaux Abbey, France. It sits within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, by the River Rye in a deep valley just a few miles from Helmsley. Rievaulx Abbey ( name taken from the nearby River Rye ) was the first and most northern Cistercian Abbey founded by St Bernard of Clairvaulx, and was one of the three Cistercian Abbeys named ‘ Shining Lights of the North ‘ along with Byland and Fountains Abbey.

Its magnificent architecture ( which derived from it’s Mother Abbey Clairvaulx’s style ) was often replicated during the building of subsequent Cistercian Abbeys in the UK and in Europe. Rievaulx Abbey is managed by English Heritage. Byland Abbey Byland Abbey was founded as a Cistercian Abbey in 1147 and is a Daughter House of Savigny Abbey, France. Along with Rievaulx and Fountains Abbey it was one of the three Cistercian Abbeys named ‘ shining lights of the North ‘. Byland Abbey is situated near the North Yorkshire village of Coxwold. The monks here were well known for their sheep-rearing skills and for the export of wool, and their community prospered. The exceptionally large cloister and the scale of the church both reflect the size of the community which once lived here. Byland Abbey is now managed by English Heritage Fountains Abbey Fountains Abbey was founded in 1132, by a group of fleeing Benedictine monks from St. Mary’s in York. These monks craved a way of life that better followed the teachings of St Benedict, much like the first monks of Citeaux.

Fountains Abbey sits in the Skell Valley, a few miles west of Ripon, North Yorkshire, and is one of the three Cistercian Abbeys named ‘ shining lights of the North ‘, along with Rievaulx and Byland. Fountains Abbey became the richest and largest of the northern abbeys. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holding the most significant Cistercian remains in Europe including the 12th century western range, and the oldest surviving Cistercian water mill. Fountains Abbey is managed by the National Trust Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall Abbey was founded in 1147, and is a Daughter House of Fountains Abbey. It is situated in a valley close to the River Aire, and is approx 3 miles from Leeds city centre. Kirkstall Abbey prospered based on sheep farming which led to the sale and export of sheep products including wool, milk, butter, leather and parchment. It is now one of Britain’s finest medieval monastic ruins. Kirkstall Abbey is managed by Leeds City Council and is open to the public, with the Abbey House museum across the road from the Abbey ruin.

Roche Abbey Roche Abbey was founded in 1147, and is a Daughter House of Rievaulx. It is situated in the valley of Maltby Beck, south of Maltby, South Yorkshire. It was a smaller abbey compared with other abbeys in Yorkshire, with approx 150 monks present at its peak. Part of the eastern end of the abbey still stands, along with the most complete ground plans shown in the form of excavated foundations that exist of any English Cistercian monastery. Roche Abbey is managed by English Heritage. Rufford Abbey Rufford Abbey was founded in 1147, and is a Daughter House of Rievaulx. It sits in the Nottingham countryside just 2 miles south of Ollerton. The abbey became a ruin after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century and later became incorporated into the current day country house. The Cistercian abbey west cloister is the best preserved of it’s kind in England.

Rufford Abbey sits within what is now Rufford Country Park and is managed by English Heritage Vaudey Abbey Vaudey Abbey was founded in 1147, and is a Daughter House of Fountains Abbey. It is situated approx 4 miles northwest of Bourne, within the Grimsthorpe Castle park, Lincolnshire. In its heyday the abbey flourished with bountiful wool profits, but fell along with other abbeys at the time of Henry VIII. Stone from the abbey was used to build a grand house in what were the Vaudey abbey grounds. There are unfortunately no remains of the abbey to view except earthworks. Pipewell Abbey Pipewell abbey was founded in 1143, and is a Daughter House of Newminster. Pipewell is a rural hamlet situated in the Northamptonshire countryside. The Pipewell settlement is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The abbey here was alive with its own infirmary, bakery, granary, brew-house, fishponds and gardens. The monks of the time built one of the first windmills of England on Harper’s Brook.

As with Vaudey, after the Dissolution much of the stone was used as building material for local grand houses. Today there are no remains of the Abbey although the site where it once stood has been preserved and is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Woburn Abbey Woburn Abbey was founded in 1145, and is a Daughter House of Fountains Abbey. It is situated on the outskirts of the Northamptonshire village of Woburn. Woburn Abbey is today the family seat of the Duke of Bedfordshire. It started to take the architectural form we see today around 1619 after it had become a private residence. There are a few markers indicating the original presence of the Cistercian abbey - the north wing of the current house sits on the site of the monastic church, and the current courtyard marks the outline of the great cloister and garth. Legend has it that the last abbot of Woburn was hanged by Henry VIII from an oak tree that still stands in the grounds. Woburn Abbey is open to the general public. St Mary Graces Abbey St Mary Graces was founded in 1350, and is a Daughter House of Beaulieu.

It was situated just outside the Tower of London and was the last Cistercian abbey founded in England before the Dissolution. St Mary Graces was built in the immediate aftermath of the Black Death and sits on the site of a burial ground that was created in order to deal with the epidemic, and which later became The Royal Mint. This was the only Cistercian abbey built in a town setting. There are no remains of the abbey to be seen today. Kirkstall Abbey - Mtaylor848 (Own work) | CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Back to top We love to hear from fellow walkers and history fans. Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you when we’re back from our next walk! The Unicorn Hotel - North Yorkshire Hotel - J D Wetherspoon opening times Welcome J D Wetherspoon has lovingly restored The Unicorn Hotel, situated in Market Place East, Ripon. It is one of Ripon’s oldest and most historic inns. It is the largest building on the Market Place and has featured in many aspects of Ripon’s history since the 17th century.

All of the 32 en suite rooms come equipped with unlimited free Wi-Fi and Freeview television. The inn retains much of its historic splendour, while providing modern-day levels of comfort, making it the perfect stay for families, leisure and business. The city of Ripon is located in North Yorkshire, on the River Ure. Ripon is a beautiful market town, founded over 1,300 years ago and steeped in history – famous as an old cathedral city, where monasteries have stood since the 7th century. The old city of Ripon is filled with shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, while also boasting many historical buildings and museums, including Ripon Cathedral, the Wakeman’s House, Studley Royal, Fountains Abbey and Ripon Spa Gardens, where a Victorian bandstand is set. A market is held every Thursday on Ripon’s market square, next to its 300-year-old Obelisk, where the Hornblower will sound his horn at 9 o’clock every night. Ripon is wonderfully located in the heart of the countryside, so there’s always plenty to do. Facilities Information Parking There is limited car-parking available at the rear of the hotel.

There is a short-stay car park on the market place, directly in front of the hotel. The nearest long-stay car park is the Sainsbury’s car park, to the rear of the hotel. Local Transport Ripon bus station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, with regular buses to Harrogate, Leeds and York. The closest train station is Harrogate. Local Attractions Lightwater valley is a theme park set across 175 acres of stunning North Yorkshire countryside. It’s jam-packed with thrilling rides and amazing attractions for the whole family. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is one of the largest and best-preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England, located approximately three miles southwest of Ripon in North Yorkshire, near to the village of Aldfield. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for over 400 years, until 1539, when Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries. There are many attractions in the grounds of the heritage site, including a deer park. Ripon Racecourse is known as the garden racecourse, one of the most colourful and attractive courses in Britain.

Ripon’s friendly welcome and homely feel make a day’s racing experience so enjoyable that people want to come back, time and time again. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden // Nearby Attractions // Discover Ripon Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY 01765 608888 Fountains Abbey with Studley Royal Water Garden, four miles west of Ripon in North Yorkshire, is of outstanding historic and aesthetic importance. Attracting approximately 300,000 visitors a year, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is the National Trust's most visited pay-for-entry property. Acquired by the Trust from North Yorkshire County Council in 1983, it was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. Enjoy the sight of 500 wild deer in the medieval park and imagine life in the 18th century as you stroll around the elegant Georgian Water Garden with its canal, temple and surprise views. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is a World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable sites in Europe.

Give yourself plenty of time to explore spectacular remains of this 12th century Cistercian abbey, rare monastic water mill, over 800 years old, an Elizabethan mansion, and one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian green water garden. Elegant ornamental lakes, avenues, temples and cascades provide a succession of unforgettable eye-catching vistas in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. St Mary's Church, built by William Burges in the 19th century, provides a dramatic focal point to the medieval deer park with over 600 deer. The Abbey, Britain's largest monastic ruin, was founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII, the Abbey buildings and over 500 acres of land were sold by the Crown to Sir Richard Gresham, a merchant. The property was passed down through several generations of Sir Richard's family, finally being sold to Stephen Proctor who built Fountains Hall probably between 1598 and 1604.

The Studley Royal Estate, a separate estate from Fountains Abbey until 1767, was inherited by John Aislabie in 1693. He devoted himself until his death in 1742 to creating the Water Garden. His visionary scheme to transform what had been a wild, wooded valley was completed by his son William, who purchased the Abbey ruins in 1767 and landscaped the Seven Bridges Valley and Abbey grounds St Mary's Church The Anglican church,also on the Studley Royal Estate, was the religious masterpiece of architect William Burges whose Gothic designs clearly verged on the late 19th-century Arts and Crafts Movement. Built for the first Marquess and Marchioness of Ripon, it has a highly decorated interior characteristic of the Anglo-Catholic religious sentiments of the Victorian period Fountains Abbey is situated just 3 miles from Ripon on the B6265. The Abbey and Garden, Mill and shop are open daily all year from 10am - 4 pm(5pm from March to October). Closed on Fridays in November, December and January and 24/25 December. Excellent facilities are available for groups, children and disabled visitors.

Contact: 01765 608888 Adult: £13.00, Child: £6.50, Family: £32.50 Explore Ripon Historic Buildings near Uppr Carr Caravan Park, North Yorkshire Rievaulx Abbey Rievaulx Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey headed by the Abbot of Rievaulx. It is located in the village of Rievaulx, near Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. It was once one of the wealthiest abbeys in England and was dissolved by Henry VIII of England in 1538. Its ruins are now a tourist attraction. More Info... Byland Abbey Byland Abbey is a ruined abbey and a small village in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England. More Info... Fountains Abbey Fountains Abbey is near to Aldfield, approximately two miles southwest of Ripon in North Yorkshire, England. It is a ruined Cistercian monastery, founded in 1132. Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian houses in England. It is a Grade I listed building and owned by the National Trust.

Along with the adjacent Studley Royal Water Garden, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More Info... Whitby Abbey Whitby Abbey is a ruined Benedictine abbey sited on the East Cliff, 199 steps above Whitby harbour in North Yorkshire on the north-east coast of England. More Info... Helmsley Castle Helmsley Castle is a medieval castle situated in the market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England. More Info... Scarborough Castle Scarborough Castle is a former Medieval Royal fortress situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea and the town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. More Info... Richmond Castle Richmond Castle in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England, stands in a commanding position above the River Swale, close to the centre of the town of Richmond. It was originally called Riche Mount, 'the strong hill'. The castle was probably constructed from 1071 onwards as part of the Norman Conquest of Saxon England as the Domesday Book of 1086 refers to 'a castlery' at Richmond in that year. More Info...

York Minster York Minster is a Gothic cathedral in York, England and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside Cologne Cathedral. More Info ... Ripon Cathedral Ripon Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds and the mother church of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, situated in the small North Yorkshire city of Ripon, England. More Info... Duncombe Park Duncombe Park is a stately home that was the seat of the Duncombe family whose senior member takes the title Baron Feversham. It is situated near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England and stands in a commanding location above deeply incised meanders of the River Rye. More Info... Newby Hall Newby Hall is an historic mansion house and Grade I listed building situated on the banks of the River Ure at Skelton-on-Ure, near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, England. More Info... Newburgh Priory Newburgh Priory is a large house near Coxwold, North Yorkshire, England. Standing on the site of an Augustinian priory, founded in 1145, it is a stately home in a rural setting with views to the Kilburn White Horse in the distance.

The grounds contain a water garden, walled garden, topiary yews and woodland walks. More Info... Nunnington Hall Nunnington Hall is a country house situated in the English county of North Yorkshire. The river Rye, which gives its name to the local area, Ryedale, runs past the house, flowing away from the village of Nunnington. Nunnington Hall is owned, conserved and managed as a visitor attraction by the National Trust. More Info... Beningbrough Hall Beningbrough Hall is a large Georgian mansion near the village of Beningbrough, North Yorkshire, England overlooking the River Ouse. It boasts one of Britain's finest baroque interiors and an attractive walled garden, as well as being home to over 100 portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. It has a coffee house and restaurant. More Info... Rievaulx Terrace & Temples Rievaulx Terrace & Temples is a site located in North Yorkshire, England overlooking Rievaulx Abbey and owned by the National Trust. The site is a grass-covered terrace following a serpentine course across the side of a wooded escarpment overlooking the ruins of the Abbey.

At either end of the terrace stand two mid-18th century follies: small Palladian "temples". More Info... Hotels Near Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire Set My Filter Hotels Near Fountains Abbey - Fountains Abbey Hotels close to Fountains Abbey are listed below sorted in the order of their distance (closest first). Explore our hotel guide to find lodging near Fountains Abbey (Fountains Abbey) for your leisure or business trips.We show the best lodging close to Fountains Abbey so you can review the discounted Fountains Abbey hotels & motels below and uncover the perfect hotel.Need a room block for a group?

Find a Fountains Abbey group discount Lodging & Accommodations close to Fountains Abbey Park St., Ripon, HG42BU United Kingdom ~2.97 miles northeast of Fountains Abbey Affordable hotel Ripon Rd., Harrogate, HG12HU United Kingdom ~7.56 miles south of Fountains Abbey High end Downtown property Horsefair, Boroughbridge, YO519LB United Kingdom ~7.75 miles east of Fountains Abbey 3-star Suburban property Kings Rd., Harrogate, HG11XX United Kingdom ~7.86 miles south of Fountains Abbey Four star property 1 3 Franklin Mount, Harrogate, HG15EJ United Kingdom ~7.90 miles south of Fountains Abbey Luxurious Five Star Suburban hotel 3 floors in property 69 71 Franklin Rd., Harrogate, HG15EH United Kingdom ~7.96 miles south of Fountains Abbey High-end property 3 13 Swan Rd., Harrogate, HG12SS United Kingdom ~8.04 miles south of Fountains Abbey 3 star Convention Center hotel 28 rooms in hotel 1 Ripon Rd., Harrogate, HG12SY United Kingdom ~

8.07 miles south of Fountains Abbey Affordable Downtown hotel Park Parade, Harrogate, HG12AW United Kingdom ~8.17 miles south of Fountains Abbey 4-star Downtown hotel Prospect Place, Harrogate, HG11LA United Kingdom ~8.30 miles south of Fountains Abbey 3-star Downtown hotel Most guests said the beds were comfortable Hotel facilities could use a good clean Rudding Lane Follifoot, Harrogate, HG31JH United Kingdom ~10.01 miles southeast of Fountains Abbey Four-star property 42 Market Place, Thirsk, YO71LL United Kingdom ~13.04 miles northeast of Fountains Abbey Mid-scale Downtown hotel Junction 46 A1 M Kirk Dei, Wetherby, LS225GT United Kingdom ~14.32 miles southeast of Fountains Abbey 3-star hotel Sutton Rd., Thirsk, YO72ER United Kingdom ~14.49 miles northeast of Fountains Abbey Three Star hotel Trip Lane, Linton, LS224JA United Kingdom ~15.00 miles southeast of Fountains Abbey 4 star Rural hotel Leeds Rd.

Wetherby Ls22 5he, Wetherby, LS225HE United Kingdom ~15.32 miles southeast of Fountains Abbey Midscale hotel Wood Lane, Grassington, BD235LU United Kingdom ~16.91 miles west of Fountains Abbey Luxurious 5-star property Darlington Rd., Northallerton, United Kingdom ~17.79 miles northeast of Fountains Abbey Mid-scale Suburban hotel Otley Rd., Leeds, LS165PS United Kingdom ~17.95 miles south of Fountains Abbey High-end Suburban hotel Hotel has 36 meeting rooms Very good hotel 186 Otley Rd. Headingly, Leeds, LS165PR United Kingdom ~19.01 miles south of Fountains Abbey 3-star property Phil's Nidderdale Site Hi. I am Phil and I live in the Yorkshire town of Harrogate, based 16 miles North of The City Of Leeds. This is my second website and features mainly pictures and articles about my walks and cycle tours of The Yorkshire Dales. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Northern England and is easily to get to using all modes of transport.

My favourite of it which names the title and web address of this site is Nidderdale. Obvious reasons is because it is the quietest and most easy to get to by Bus from Harrogate and also now that the new Nidderdale Greenway is fully complete, The town centre of Harrogate is now reunited with The Yorkshire Dales and the market town of Knaresborough now has a complete walking and cycle route through the Dale without any detours. The Western Dales, Such as Wharfedale and Malhamdale are a lot more busier, but they are sites not to be missed, ranging from the tourist attractions of Bolton Abbey and Malham Cove, based on the true Limestone Country and of course The famous Pennine Way. If you wish to visit my other UK touring pages outside the Yorkshire Dales then why not visit my other website by clicking on the following link . Also I have a past time hobby of vintage radio and electronics and my following link is . NB Notice regarding this websites 10th anniversary. I am pleased to say that tidying up of the links within this page and all other pages is now complete and I hope you all continue to enjoy this website for many years to come.

Knaresborough. Pleasent historic market town, situated in the lower part of Nidderdale, 3 miles east of Harrogate Bilton Nidd Gorge viaduct. Used to be the main railway line, with regular trains to the city of Ripon, until it closed in 1967. Ripley. Charming estate village situated on the A61 Harrogate to Ripon Road. This is the starting place for walking the Nidderdale Way Pateley Bridge. Lovely Dales market town, and good walking centre Looking over towards lofthouse. This view was taken in the summer of 2004, while walking over to How Stean Gorge, on a days outing to pateley Bridge Ripon. The Cathedral City and gateway to Nidderdale, And The Northern Yorkshire Dales Harrogate. This is a view of the Pump Rooms Museum, one of the oldest historic buildings in the town and was taken in the winter of 2004. Ilkley Moor. Situated one mile East of the Wharfedale town of Ilkley. This view is looking towards The Cow And Calf Rocks. Bolton Abbey.

Situated in Wharfedale and is the most busiest tourist area of the dales. This view is looking across the strid towards the Abbey. Burnsall. One of the loveliest Villages in Wharfedale and this is a Riverside view of the Village Green Grassington. Situated in Wharfedale and like Pateley Bridge, it is very busy at weekends and particulary during Summer. Kettlewell. Another of Wharfedale's pretty Villages and is busy walking centre, being near the Summit of Lower Whernside. Malham. Situated on part of The Pennine Way and is the busiest walking centre of the entire Yorkshire Dales. Malham Cove. Situated at the head of Malhamdale and dates Centuries back into the ice age, which marks the Dales as true limestone country. Goredale Scar. Situated near Malham and is popular with walkers and climbers. 1 word of warning, It is very dangerous for unexperienced walkers. Dent Village. Situated in the old West Riding Of Yorkshire, now in Cumbria and was taken on a visit during the Spring of 2005. Dentdale.

This scene is looking SE towards Artengill viaduct, on the famous Settle to Carlisle Railway and was taken during Spring 2005. Dentdale. This scene is looking West into the dale, from the steep road that leads into the dale from Dent Station Dentdale. This is at Lea Yeat Bridge near Cowgill and was taken in the Spring of 2005. Dent Station. Situated on Englands most scenic Settle to Carlisle Railway and is also Englands highest mainline station. taken during Spring 2005. Fountains Abbey. Situated 3 miles, West of The City Of Ripon and is one of Yorkshire and the Countrys most visited tourist attraction. Studley Royal Park. Situated next to the grounds, East side of Fountains Abbey and was taken during my Summer visit of 2005. Lofthouse. Lovely Nidderdale village, situated near the tourist attration of How Stean Gorge and was taken on a walk over to Kettlewell. Scar House Reservoir.

Owned, by The Yorkshire Water Authority and this is where Nidderdale, begins its long journey, to join The River Ouse, at York. Skipton. Busy market town, Situated in Airedale, 20 miles West of Harrogate,on the A59 and is the gateway to The Western Dales. Horton In Ribblesdale. One of the most popular walking centres of the Yorkshire Dales for the famous Three Peaks Walk. Pen-y-ghent. One of Yorkshires highest Peaks that dominates the Western Dales. This scene is at the top summit looking towards Overdale. Pateley Bridge. Taken in the twilight zone between the Christmas and New Years Eve of 2005. Ribble Head Viaduct. Built to carry the Settle to Carlisle Railway and is located close to the source of the River Ribble, Overlooked by Whernside. Bleamoor Signal Box. This Landmark is located about 1 mile North of Ribble Head station Hawes. The Capital town of upper Wensleydale and the highest in The Yorkshire Dales. Taken during Sunset in the summer of 2007 Bainbridge.

Situated in upper Wensleydale and was taken during summer 2007 Hardraw Force Waterfall. Situated in Upper Wensleydale and claims to be England's highest fall. Entrance is through The Green Dragon Inn, Village Pub The return of steam over Knaresborough Viaduct. This scene is The Scarborough Spa Exprees heading for Harrogate. Taken Summer 2008. The lovely village of Reeth situated in lower Swaledale. Taken during my cycle tour of the Yorkshire Dales, During Autumn 2008. Langthwaite. Situated in Arkengarthdale and is the most Northerly and wildest parts of The Yorkshire Dales. Taken during my cycle tour of Autumn 2008. Halton Gill. Situated in Littondale and this scene is looking into this small village from the Settle road and taken during my cycle tour of May 2010. This scene is looking down into Wharfedale from Skyreholme on my approach to the bridleway over Pockstones Moor. Taken during my cycle tour of 2010 Harden Gill Beck.

Situated on the Bridleway over Pockstone Moor and is to be the off road cycle route of National route 636 that will link Nidderdale Please left click on selected pictures to enlarge image Search the Web for:

Question: Fountains Abbey is situated three miles SW of which Yorkshire city?
Answer: RIPON