Yesterday I went for a short but interesting country walk, starting at the village of Husthwaite and finishing near Byland Abbey, and passing several places of interest along the way.
Byland Abbey is a ruined abbey and a small hamlet in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire. It is situated in the North York Moors National Park.
It was founded as a Savigniac abbey in January 1135 and was absorbed by the Cistercian order in 1147. It wasn't an easy start for the community who had had to move five times before settling at New Byland, near Coxwold in 1177. Its early history was marked by disputes with no fewer than four other religious establishments: (Furness Abbey, Calder Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and Newburgh Priory).
However, once it had overcome this bad start, it was described in the late 14th century as "one of the three shining lights of the north". Its financial success was not as great as that of places like Rievaulx, but it was famed for its sheep rearing and wool exports. Its church was said to be among the finest 12th-century churches in Europe. The abbey was dissolved on 30 November 1538.
As you can see, there are still impressive ruins. This shot shows the west end, and includes part of the frame of a huge rose window. This end of the abbey is particularly attractive in the late afternoon and evening as the low sun highlights the limestone walls.
Thank you Gayanne - it is a lovely setting. I should have mentioned in the notes that there was a wedding party having photos taken in the ruins when I first arrived there.
Thank you Therese - I blame Henry VIII and his dissolution of the monasteries! Many such places had their roofs removed and the stone was often reused to build houses etc. But it is nice to see what is left. I suspect that buildings erected today won't last for over 500 years!!!
Thank you Bruni - it must indeed have been beautiful when it was in use. The whole area was artificially drained to allow the abbey to be built. It's fascinating to wander amongst the buildings and visualise it as it was.
Ian
September 24th, 2013
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Thank you Padlock, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Bob - the full story of this abbey is quite fascinating. Sadly, not enough time or space to record it all on here.
Ian
Thank you Gayanne - it is a lovely setting. I should have mentioned in the notes that there was a wedding party having photos taken in the ruins when I first arrived there.
Ian
Thank you Colie, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Cathrine - it's amazing how much still stands, and there is a museum nearby which has a lot of small finds from the site.
Ian
Thank you Molly - it is a lovely place for late afternoon photos.
Ian
Thank you Ferry and thank you for the fav! It is a fascinating site to explore.
Ian
Thank you MaryAnn, glad you like it. I recently treated myself to a years membership of English Heritage, so I will be visiting quite a few old castles, abbeys and houses in the coming months, so you will soon be able to see more shots of what Yorkshire has to offer. There are already a few shots of English Heritage sites in this project - http://365project.org/fishers/365/2013-09-03, http://365project.org/fishers/365/2013-09-12, http://365project.org/fishers/365/2013-09-13
Ian
Thank you Brian - so often the old abbeys are situated in beautiful and sometimes remote locations, and this one is no exception.
Ian
Thank you Therese - I blame Henry VIII and his dissolution of the monasteries! Many such places had their roofs removed and the stone was often reused to build houses etc. But it is nice to see what is left. I suspect that buildings erected today won't last for over 500 years!!!
Ian
Thank you Carys, glad you like it!
Ian
Thank you Bruni - it must indeed have been beautiful when it was in use. The whole area was artificially drained to allow the abbey to be built. It's fascinating to wander amongst the buildings and visualise it as it was.
Ian