Jervaulx Abbey can easily be found between Masham and Ripon just off the A6108. A truly tranquil yet atmospheric place to find peace and quiet and loved by many. Wander around the ruins, listen to birdsong, find wildflowers in every nook and cranny, take time to contemplate its past.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries began in 1536 but before then the abbey had been a thriving community. At the height of its prosperity the abbey owned half of the valley of Wensleydale and was renowned for breeding horses, a tradition that remains in Middleham to the present day. It was also the original home of Wensleydale Cheese originally made with ewes’ milk. Today the abbey’s pulpitum screen with part of the stalls can now be seen at St Andrew’s Church in Aysgarth and a window was reused at St Gregory’s Church in Bedale.
A quote from Wikipedia ‘The lordship of East Witton, including the site of the abbey, was granted by Henry VIII to Matthew Stuart, 4th Earl of Lennox and Margaret, his wife, the king’s niece, and after passing through various hands the property came into the possession of the Bruce family, one of whom was created Early of Ailesbury in 1805. The estate was purchased from the trustees of Ernest Brundenell-Bruce, 3rd Marquess of Ailesbury, in 1887 by S. Cunliffe Lister Esq. of Swinton Park for £310,000. It was purchased by Major and Mrs W. V. Burdon in 1971. Their youngest son, Ian, now runs the abbey, the ruins of which are open to the public.’
The Burdon family extend a warm welcome to all visitors. The abbey is maintained and kept open purely on the entrance contributions of visitors and receive no funding at all from English heritage, the National Trust or any other governing body. When you’ve finished exploring this wonderful place do visit the Tearooms and enjoy their homemade delights, there is almost too much to choose from and all delicious!
If you would like to stay nearby, we have a lovely cottage, Holly Tree Cottage in East Witton which sleeps two, just a couple of miles away, do call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 or book online. Lots of cottages in Masham but of course all our cottages are well within driving distance too.
Written By Nadine Bell
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