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24. The medieval Byland Abbey between Coxwold and Ampleforth
The grand historical site of the ruins of Byland Abbey lie in the rich farmland of the eastern limit of the Vale of York in North Yorkshire. Byland Abbey was founded as Savigniac house in 1134 but was incorporated into the Cistercian order in 1147, but consequently ,suffered grievously at the dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530's onwards but lives on as a major tourist attraction in the area. The picture shows north side of the Abbey which is reasonably intact.
Just up the road across from the Abbey entrance is a gateway entrance arch into the original medieval Abbey precinct. Note the fine little doorway beyond the arch on the right.
The rich farmland of the eastern limit of the Vale of York in which the Abbey is set.
The great 13th century west front of Byland Abbey, showing a mixture of Romanesque (round arches) and the later Gothic (pointed arches) architectural styles. The 'iconic' lower half of the stone frame of the great Rose window stands out in a prominent and stark manner.
Detail of the west front door entrance-gateway (Gothic) with the east front windows (Romanesque) in the distance.
The Abbey Inn for a little refreshment for the visitor on a busy tourist trail, before or after visiting the Abbey. It was originally a medieval building within the Abbey precinct, then a farmhouse and in 20th century became a 'pub' which I'm sure the monks would have approved of! |
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