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About Byland Abbey
It would be hard to find a more perfect setting for the gracious ruins of centuries old Byland Abbey than this remote valley spot in Ryeland.
The moors are well known both for their beauty and quick change of mood when sunlight quickly disappears to be taken over by storm clouds, the monks who founded the monastery back in the 12th-century must have had a very hard life indeed. Yet here they built a magnificent monastery and a beautiful church.
Quite possibly the order evolved originally from an early Savignic foundation, which was later taken over by the Cistercian order, who history tells us, moved around quite a bit before settling for what was then a densely wooded site. The monks toiled diligently, on completion Byland was one of the three great northern abbey complexes, ranking alongside Fountains Abbey and Rievaulx, which oddly is close by.
Once fully established, life for the religious community was peaceful, save for the odd Scottish raid in the 14th-century. The order of things changed dramatically when Henry VIII decided to divorce Queen Catherine and set up a new church in opposition to Rome. The Abbey was stripped of its assets, the Abbot and monks given pensions and forced to leave.
The buildings we see today are the remnants of centuries of neglect but they continue to show a measure of how perfect this site must have been before it was closed in 1538. Looking at the starkly beautiful mellow walls dappled by a late summer sun, the site takes on an eyrie atmosphere, heightening the senses until you swear you can hear a bell tolling, and monks chanting as they return from their labours in the fields.
It was not until the 1920's that the site was investigated and cleared. During this period many fine relics were discovered, these are on show in the Byland Abbey museum, they include decorative capitals and corbels.
From the ruins there are splendid views over stunning countryside, particularly looking towards the village of Coxwold, were on a clear day it is possible to see the tower of the church.
Byland Abbey is a well preserved site which is in the care of English Heritage.
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Recommended towns & villages near Byland Abbey | (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction SW) Set in the spacious countryside between the Hambleton and Howardian Hills, the attractive village of Husthwaite stands on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors... Information | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction N) The pretty village of Rievaulx has a wealth of stout stone cottages and a few hansome houses nestling in a curve beyond dry-stone walls beneath the wooded hills of the beautiful Rydale Valley... Information | Pictures (6) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction NE) The town itself is very pretty with lots of interesting stone buildings set around a market square where visitors can find attractive craft and gift shops, as well as cafe's and no less than four former coaching inns... Information | Pictures (137) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |  | (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction NW) Osmotherley is a beautiful unspoilt village on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, it lies surrounded by moors and pastureland between the Cleveland and Hambleton Hills... Information | Pictures (5) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages | | (13.2 miles, 21.2 km, direction NE) Lastingham is a small village set amidst fine wooded Yorkshire countryside. It is an area renowned for its wonderful scenery where often in a quiet lane you will find an ancient corn mill... Information | Hotels | Holiday Cottages |
All towns in North YorkshireComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandRecommended attractions near Byland Abbey | (2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction NW) .. Information | Pictures (5) | Hotels |  | (3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction E) Gilling Castle rises above Gilling East in a fabulous setting between the Hambledon and Howardian Hills.
The house is..... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels |  | (4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction NE) This magnificent historic mansion has a rich, colourful history. The house is an impressive Baroque style building overlooking..... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels |  | (4.2 miles, 6.7 km, direction N) Rievaulx Abbey is situated on 15 acres in the valley of Rye approximately 3 miles from Helmsley in Northern Yorkshire and was..... Information | Pictures (90) | Hotels |  | (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction NE) One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens, containing two temples... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels |
All attractions in North YorkshireComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandHotels near Byland AbbeyHotels near Byland Abbey Cottages near Byland Abbey Bed & Breakfast near Byland Abbey  |  Wombwell ArmsWass, North Yorkshire, England (0.5 miles, 0.7 km)
On the edge of the North York Moors National Park, this traditional pub dates back to 1620 and offers free Wi-Fi and free parking on site. It retains its original flagstone floor, beamed ceiling and a...
More info and book online.. Price from £65.00 |  |  The Fairfax ArmsGilling East, North Yorkshire, England (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction E)
Situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, The Fairfax Arms offers 4-star accommodation and a traditional, oak-beamed bar. It has peaceful gardens, and is a 30-minute drive from York....
More info and book online.. Price from £59.00 |  | The Old RectoryThormanby, North Yorkshire, England (4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction SW)
Situated within the quiet, rural village of Thormanby on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, The Old Rectory is a Grade II listed Georgian building 25 minutes’ drive from York....
More info and book online.. Price from £70.00 |  | The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena SpaHelmsley, North Yorkshire, England (4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction NE)
In a beautiful setting on the edge of the stunning North Yorkshire Moors, in the pretty market town of Helmsley, this elegant 4-star hotel is a haven of laid-back luxury....
More info and book online.. Price from £120.00 |  | The FeathersHelmsley, North Yorkshire, England (4.9 miles, 8.0 km, direction NE)
The Feathers is in the centre of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. It has 3 bars, and en suite rooms, some of which have views of Helmsley’s Castle. In the bars there is local produce...
More info and book online.. Price from £55.00 |
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