Rievaulx Abbey |
The word "Rievaulx", pronounced "ree-vohl", is said to have been derived from the Norman "Rye Vallis" referring to the wooded valley in which it stands.
The River Rye was diverted, but its old course can still be seen, along with the channels dug by the monks centuries ago.
A visit to this ruined Cistercian Abbey will reveal how the devoted monks of Rievaulx established a thriving industry which made it one of the wealthiest monasteries in Britain.
No doubt the abbey would still be flourishing today but for Henry VIII and his Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538.
The abbey's new owner, the 1st Earl of Rutland, set about the destruction of the abbey buildings, fortunately sparing the ruins still standing today.
The serene and beautiful ruins retain a wonderful atmosphere. Surrounded by peaceful countryside and inhabited only be sheep, it is a memorable landmark to visit.
Take the excellent audio tour prepared by English Heritage and discover more about the abbey's 900 years of fascinating history.
One of the best preserved original buildings is the church presbytery. It has an incredible wall of tiered arches and columns, a testament to early English architecture.
The east end of the nave still stands a full three storeys high, thanks to its flying buttresses.
The nave still has the original medieval floor tiles, circa 1300.
The arcade and graceful lancet windows give an idea of the abbey's former splendour.
Behind the high altar was the shrine to St Aelred who was considered a saint.
He was a prominent figure in 12th century England and his shrine became a popular place of pilgrimage.
The visitor centre and shop have an indoor exhibition of "The Works of God and Man" showing many aspects of Rievaulx Abbey's history.
There are also books and special children's trails during the summer making Rievaulx Abbey an ideal family day out.
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Rievaulx Abbey Postcode for SatNav: YO62 5LB
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Days Out near Rievaulx Abbey
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Duncombe Park (2 Miles)*
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Helmsley Walled Garden (2 Miles)*
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Shandy Hall (5 Miles)*
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Nunnington Hall (7 Miles)*
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Mount Grace Priory (11 Miles)*
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Sion Hill (12 Miles)*
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Falconry uk Birds of Prey Centre (12 Miles)*
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Sutton Park (12 Miles)*
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Castle Howard (12 Miles)*
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Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo (12 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Rievaulx Abbey
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Helmsley (2 Miles)*
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Thirsk (9 Miles)*
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Slingsby (11 Miles)*
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Pickering (14 Miles)*
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Castleton (15 Miles)*
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Aldborough (15 Miles)*
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Boroughbridge (15 Miles)*
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Thornton-le-Dale (16 Miles)*
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Roecliffe (16 Miles)*
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Lealholm (17 Miles)*
Also near Rievaulx Abbey |
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