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Place to go: Rievaulx Abbey
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Title: | Rievaulx Abbey
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Location: |
Rievaulx |
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Cost: |
£ 4.00 |
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Contact: |
Tel: 01439 798228 |
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North Yorkshire |
| Map Link: |
Show Map |
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Access Details: |
Access to abbey and grounds: Access to most of site via fine loose gravel paths and smooth grass, but some steps, and site is on a slope. Benches available. Wheelchair available.
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| Web Link: |
Show Website |
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Facilities: |
Exhibition, Museum, Education Department, Audio Tours, Shop,
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Description:
English Heritage site of ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.
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Review:
Rievaulx Abbey was the most important Cistercian Abbey in Britain, being the base for the ‘monastic colonisation’ of the North of England. Founded in 1132, much of what remains dates from the initial building period of the 12th Century. Sited in the beautiful Rye valley, the Abbey is very photogenic, the ruins themselves have a majesty that are only matched by Fountains Abbey. The Rye valley site posed problems for the builders, making Rievaulx one of the few churches not to have an East to West alignment, although the river Rye was deflected, the Abbey site is shifted out of alignment to fit into the valley. The Museum is detailed and interactive, giving good information on why Rievaulx grew so wealthy, with notes on the Abbey’s estates. From the Museum one can walk into the Abbey ruins, most of the walls stand to their original height, the Presbytery is virtually intact, and one can walk to the first floor for a spectacular view down the church. The Abbey is laid out in the usual plan, with the exceptions being the size of the buildings, and a large Tannery attached. The Chapter House shows the remains of two outer walls, an indication of a drop in the number of brothers, it is close to the shrine of St. William, the founding Abbott. The site is maintained by English Heritage, they have put a lot of effort into this wonderful site. We found the staff very helpful, and enthusiastic, which, added to the level of preservation of the Abbey will make any visit a success.
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Updated: 09 August 2004
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