Fountains Abbey

I had never heard of the Fountain's Abbey. We went there, as we had no intention of returning to York until Monday, and wanted to fill the morning before heading up to Durham - a mere hour and a half up the A1 to meet Jess and Byron for lunch. Our morning exploring this exquisite place is indescribable. This Abbey started to be built in the seventh century. However, it was founded properly in 1132 under the Cistercian Order. The abbey's name comes from Bernard of Clairvaux or St Bernard de Fontaines. Richard Baxter and John Calvin both quoted Bernard of Clarivaux, so Keith was familiar with this man.



In 1538 or 1538, Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, which impacted this Abbey. The roof was removed and the abbey was abandoned to the elements. Only the ruins remain. They stand beside a river, in a valley surrounded by woods. It is secluded, quiet and seems a perfect place for a retreat from the world. It was a place where the monks spent their days in a rigorous regime of meditation, work, and prayer. They cared for the poor and needy. At some state, Anne Boleyn must have spent time here, as there is a lookout where she used to walk and sit. We went there and it is easy to understand why she chose to have a seat here.

It is autumn, so the trees are yellow and golden and a deep crimson. The colours were spectacular. After looking around the ruins of this enormous abbey, we did a long walk through the grounds, through forests with views. We saw squirrels, birds and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of this place of beauty. There is a tunnel that we walked through and I wondered if we would emerge - it was quite long and were in pitch dark for a time.

This was the time when the worst thing that can happen for a tourist happened with no warning. My camera battery died and I didn't have a spare one. Keith had gently suggested we get one weeks ago, but I had said there was no need. I am not sure who was angrier, but it made me cherish each moment to my memory. I also bought postcards at the shop.

We could have spent an entire day there, not a mere morning and then have a long drive up to Durham. I am determined to return one day for a full day and with a camera that has a charged battery! If you are interested in seeing more pictures, you can visit their website: http://www.fountainsabbey.org.uk/ Interestingly, it is a world heritage site and I can understand why.