Fountains Abbey

This is a photo of Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire. There is more information regarding this historic site listed below the photo. The photo iteslf is of the main building (or whats left of it).

The building on the right of the photo contains the cellars and store-rooms, and supporting the dormitory of the lay brothers above. This structure spans across the River Skell.

Fountains Abbey is maintained by English Heritage, and owned by the National Trust.

Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, England, is a ruined Cistercian monastery, founded in 1132. Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian houses in England. It is a Grade I listed building and owned by the National Trust. Along with the adjacent Studley Royal Water Garden, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fountains Abbey was founded in 1132 following a dispute and riot at St. Mary’s Abbey in York. Following the riot, thirteen monks were exiled and after unsuccessfully attempting to return to the early 6th century Rule of St Benedict, were taken into the protection of Thurstan, Archbishop of York. He provided them with a site in the valley of the River Skell. The enclosed valley had all the required materials for the creation of a monastery, providing shelter from the weather, stone and timber for building, and a running supply of water.

Ref: Wikipedia