Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery near Ripon. Founded in 1132 Fountains operated as a monastery for 407 years before the reformation and destruction ordered by Henry VIII. Nevertheless, Fountains is the most complete Cistercian Abbey in the country and is a fascinating day out, with it's extensive grounds, panoramas and photo opportunities.
Although Fountains is thought of as entirely Cistercian, the original founders were thirteen monks of the Benedictine order at St Mary's in York. Within three years of them arriving here at Fountains they had been admitted to the Cistercian way of life. The Cistercian system was one not just as of religion, but a complete working entity with lay brothers who worked the land and kept animals, making the Abbey virtually self sufficient.
The abbey closed in 1539 and was sold, remaining as a private estate until purchased by West Riding County Council in 1963. The National Trust bought Fountains Abbey in 1983 and manage it as a visitor attraction and a historical monument, in trust, for ever, for everyone.

Cistercian abbeys always seem to be in the same kind of setting. A sheltered and secluded valley with a stream running through.

There's lots of snowdrops around at the moment.

The old stones that have been in place for almost nine hundred years.

Moss, turning the stones green.

The beautifully vaulted ceiling.

I can almost hear the plainsong.

Fountains Abbey is well worth a visit if you are in and around the Ripon and Harrogate area.