The objective of my walk last Wednesday afternoon was to visit Roche Abbey, hidden in the valley of Maltby Dike some 8 miles east of Rotherham.
The abbey was founded in 1147 when the stone buildings were built on the north side of Maltby Dike, and for almost 400 years the Cistercian monks lived and worshipped here.
Like so many other abbeys it was closed on the orders of Henry VIII, in 1538, and substantial destruction took place.
In the 1920s much excavation of the site revealed what remained. Only a small section of the church transepts retain their full height, though much of the layout can be seen from the many low walls remaining.
Now in the care of English Heritage, the site is well looked after and a fascinating place to visit.
This shot looks across the site from the south-west, over the remains of the lay brothers refectory, and part of the cloisters towards the remaining full height parts of the church transepts.
It was unfortunate that it was such a dull day, giving the stone a grey appearance. Sunshine gives this stone a rich creamy appearance, so perhaps another visit on a sunny day is called for. Another interesting fact about the stone used here is that it's the same kind magnesian limestone used in the construction of York Minster (see http://365project.org/fishers/365/2014-05-15)
Even on a dull day this picture came out so nice and clear. nice to know that these historical remains are in the care of the English Heritage Foundation. looking forward to another picture of it when you get the chance.
Thank you Bob. In many ways I agree about a cloudy day making better pictures, but in this case the rock is transformed into a much warmer attractive creamy colour when the sun shines on it.
Thank you Dianne - there are quite a few disused abbeys in Yorkshire cared for by English Heritage. I have two more on my list of places to visit in the near future!
Gosh Ian, you're opening my eyes to some beautiful remains that I must have passed close by on numerous occasions. Thank you for these lovely glimpses of the past.
Thank you Bruni, it was a fascinating visit. It's some years since I was last there so it was nice to renew my acquaintance with this lovely site.
Ian
Thank you Bob. In many ways I agree about a cloudy day making better pictures, but in this case the rock is transformed into a much warmer attractive creamy colour when the sun shines on it.
Ian
Thank you Dianne - there are quite a few disused abbeys in Yorkshire cared for by English Heritage. I have two more on my list of places to visit in the near future!
Ian
Thank you Lynne, glad you like it - but it would still have been better with a little sunshine!
Ian
Thank you Ferry - I'm glad you enjoyed sharing my visit!
Ian
Thank you Diane - I hadn't thought of using B&W - I'll have a go at that later!
Ian
Thank you Denise, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Brian, so do I - I hope to have more old abbey ruins to share soon!
Ian
Thank you Tony - it's a fascinating place to explore.
Ian
Thank you Pete, glad you like it!
Ian
Thank you Ivan - there are quite a few abbey ruins in Yorkshire, as a result of the actions of King Henry VIII
Ian
Thank you Cindy - I find these old ruins quite fascinating!
Ian
Thank you Richard. This is a lovely tranquil place, but only around 200 yds away from a main road, so fairly easy to access by car.
Ian