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Fountains Abbey: History
Fountains Abbey: Buildings
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… a place uninhabited for all the
centuries back, thick set with thorns, lying between the slopes
of mountains
and among rocks jutting out on both sides;
fit, rather, it seemed, to be the lair of wild beasts than the
home of human beings. Its name was Skelldale. The ruins of the great Cistercian abbey of Fountains lie in the valley of the River Skell, several kilometres west of Ripon. Many who visit Fountains today are struck by the peace and tranquillity of the site. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine just how desolate and unwelcoming a place this was for the twelfth-century Cistercians, who battled against bleak and unfavourable conditions. The location, however, had its advantages, notably ready supplies of water and woodland. Quarries in Skelldale, Craven and Nidderdale provided stone for building. Fountains Abbey is of enduring significance.
It is a World Heritage site, owned by the National Trust and
managed by English Heritage.
The abbey and gardens can be visited all year round at the
following times: |
