Rievauix Abbey

Located near Hemsly, about an hours drive from Ripon, the well kept ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are nestled in the valley and are looked after by English Heritage. The site is regarded as one of the most complete abbey ruins in England and one of the most attractive, set as it is in a tranquil valley, these atmospheric ruins are considered to be one of the areas historical gems.

The site has almost 900 years of history which is illustrated in the on site, interactive museum which displays the many unique archaeological finds discovered there. Of late, the Abbey site has become an archaeological treasure with many unexpected discoveries illustrating the lives of the monks. Studies of the surrounding area are also revealing the extent of the abbey’s influence in the past.

The abbey was founded by St Bernard of Clairvaux, as part of an effort to reform Christianity in Europe. In 1132, twelve Clairvaux monks came to Rievaulx and founded what would grow to become one of the wealthiest monasteries of medieval England. Revauix also has the distinction of being the first northern Cistercian monastery.

Rievaulx was still a vibrant community when Henry VIII dissolved it in 1538, Its new owner, the first Earl of Rutland, instigated the systematic destruction of the buildings though a substantial amount remains.

There is an on site tea-room and gift shop.

Admission:
Adult - £5.00
Children - £2.50
English Heritage Members - free

Links: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.17256

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