Abbeys
Fountains Abbey
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Jervaulx Abbey
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Byland Abbey
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Rievaulx Abbey
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Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site which recognises it as “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”. It dates from 1132, and during the following 400 years various additions and alterations were carried out to the site; by the time of the Dissolution it was the richest Cistercian abbey in the country. Whilst a ruin, the scale of the building is still very impressive. As well as the abbey, The National Trust also own Fountains Hall and Studley Royal Park, which form part of the same site.
Distance from Swinton Park 8 miles.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Jervaulx Abbey
A ruined Cistercian monastery dating from 1156. This is not on as grand a scale as Fountains Abbey, but enjoys a lovely setting and is quite enchanting.
Distance from Swinton Park 4 miles
www.jervaulxabbey.com
Byland Abbey
Byland Abbey is a beautiful ruin, set in the shadow of the Hambleton Hills, and was once one of the great northern monasteries. A truly outstanding example of early Gothic architecture, Byland inspired the design for the famous York Minster Rose Window as well as influencing many other religious buildings throughout Europe. Its splendid collection of medieval floor tiles still in situ is the largest in Europe.
Distance from Swinton Park 19 miles.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/byland-abbey
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx is a ruined Cistercian abbey that is not one monastery but four. Each rebuilding of the abbey was designed to reflect the ideas then current about the Cistercian monastic life, and each was related to a stage in the monastery’s economic and spiritual development. The abbey dates from 1131, and was demolished after the Dissolution. The mill on the site continued to operate as part of the iron industry into the mid 1600’s. The 18th Century landscape of Rievaulx Terrace and Temples are nearby with stunning views that overlook the abbey.
Distance from Swinton Park 22 miles.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/rievaulx-abbey
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Thank goodness the sun has now come out and we seem to have finally put winter behind us! The Parkland has burst into bloom with clouds of blossom and a colourful carpet of daffodils and bluebells around the trees.
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