This is Fountains Abbey, another of the Cistercian Monasteries that are prevalent in the County. It is said to be the largest and best preserved of all of the monasteries in England, but I have to say, I much prefer Rievaulx (that I posted yesterday) due to its location in that valley.
The grounds of Fountains Abbey are superb; they are adjacent to the Studley Water Gardens and both sites are managed by the National Trust here in England. You can spend a day in both locations and not see half of it. This shot is taken walking back from the gardens to the Abbey.
After an issue in 1132 at the Benedictine house of St Mary's Abbey, in York, 13 monks were thrown out, and after an unsuccessful period of attempting to return, they were offered the protection of the then Archbishop of York. He provided them with land in the valley of the River Skell, a tributary of the River Ure just to the north of Ripon and there, Fountains Abbey was erected until its dismantling by Henry VIII in 1539 in the dissolution.
To read more about Fountains Abbey, then if you have the time or inclination, click here
To read more about the National Trust and their running of Fountains and Studley Royal Water Gardens, then if you have the time or inclination, click here
I have learned so much here on 365 about the fabulous history England has and the amazing buildings that are still there so well maintained. Thank you for sharing these beauties - such a wonderful continuing education. Fav