Fountains Abbey

Heritage Site in Yorkshire

England

Fountains Abbey

Ornate Gates at Studley Royal These gates are on the northern edge of Studley Royal Park next to the B6265. — Ornate Gates at Studley Royal Credit: Andy Beecroft

Fountains Abbey is a renowned heritage site located in Yorkshire, England. It is a ruined Cistercian monastery, situated near the town of Ripon. The abbey was founded in 1132 by a group of monks who were seeking a more austere way of life. It remained in operation for over 400 years before being dissolved during the English Reformation in 1539.

The ruins of Fountains Abbey are a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Cistercian order. The site covers a vast area, with the remains of the church, chapter house, cloisters, and other buildings still standing. The abbey’s distinctive features, such as the elegant rib vaulting and pointed arches, showcase the mastery of medieval craftsmanship.

The abbey is set in a picturesque landscape, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a water garden known as Studley Royal Park. This park, which includes a series of ponds, cascades, and canals, was designed in the 18th century and is considered a masterpiece of Georgian landscaping. It provides a tranquil setting for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park were collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. The site attracts thousands of visitors each year who are drawn to its historical and architectural significance. There is also a visitor center that offers informative displays and exhibitions about the abbey's history, as well as a gift shop and café for visitors to enjoy.

In summary, Fountains Abbey is a remarkable heritage site in Yorkshire, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the Cistercian order and providing visitors with a serene and awe-inspiring experience.

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Fountains Abbey Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.1096/-1.5812 or Grid Reference SE2768. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ornate Gates at Studley Royal

These gates are on the northern edge of Studley Royal Park next to the B6265.

Andy Beecroft

Rough Bridge, Studley Park

Made to look older than it is, Rough Bridge is another one of Aisaby's follies. It crosses the top of "the Dale", but leads no-where.

Matthew Hatton

Red deer stag, Studley Park

Mature adult stag with 14 or 16 points, which should make him a 'royal'.

Gordon Hatton

Sika deer stag, Studley Park

Studley park is well populated with deer, though the sikas are often overlooked. There are about 60 sikas in the park, and from a distance they can be confused with red deer. Close up one can spot the differences. The sika is only about half the size of the red and had more rounded ears. This male is in its winter coat, but in summer they are a lighter tan with spots.

Gordon Hatton

Waiting for the feed truck

Group of deer [mostly red] awaiting the arrival of the winter feed truck. The deer in the park get a regular feed of hay and sheep nuts. The nuts are particularly popular and it is usually the red stags that get the biggest share, being able to bully the others out of the way. The deer here are far larger and in better condition than their cousins in the Scottish Highlands thanks to good grass and extra feed through the winter.

Gordon Hatton

Sweet tasting hay

Fallow deer hind enjoying the hay provided as winter feed in Studley Park. This individual must be one of the smallest deer in the park and is probably one of the young from the summer of 2007.

Gordon Hatton

Studley Royal stable block

The stable block is neatly bisected by the '70 northing' grid line, but this side is largely within this square. The building dates from c1730 and was built in the fashionable Palladian style. See also SE2769 : The Stables, Studley Royal for more details.

Gordon Hatton

Wintertime sunrise

Lime trees devoid of leaves stand out against the early morning glow in Studley Park.

Matthew Hatton

Tree Puzzle

Weird patterns in an old stump on the Oak Avenue, Studley Park.

Matthew Hatton

Rough Bridge

Folly near the head of The Dale at Studley Deer Park.

David Rogers

Snowy Morning

Fallow Deer looking for grass under the snow in Studley Park in front of the Stables, now also known as the Coach House by its present owner.

Matthew Hatton

Track over Rough Bridge

In an area of 18th century landscaped parkland, this track is a remnant of earlier times as beyond the bridge it briefly becomes a sunken lane. This was part of the former route between Sutton Magna - a medieval village within the current park which has long since vanished, and Ripon.

Gordon Hatton

The Dale, Studley Park

The Dale is the name given to this small steep sided dry valley within Studley Park. The valley marks the course of a glacial meltwater channel, of which there are several within the local area.

Gordon Hatton

Studley Bench Mark

Cut mark in wall bounding the Studley Royal Garden Centre on the Ripon to Pateley Bridge Road; height 100.8185, 0.3 metres above the ground and last verified in 1972. SE2770 : Studley Royal Garden Centre

David Rogers