No region of England shelters a greater abundance of minster churches and monastic remains than Yorkshire.
Rievaulx, the first Cistercian outpost in the north, and Fountains, destined to become the wealthiest of the northern abbeys, are just two of the county’s most eloquent survivals.
Less well-known is the Romanesque church of Selby Abbey, whilst Nun Monkton, a traditional English hamlet complete with duck pond, village green and maypole, is the idyllic setting for one of the country’s finest nunnery churches.
Our investigations begin on the banks of the River Aire in the shadow of England’s grandest early Cistercian reminder, 12th century Kirkstall Abbey, before moving on to Ripon, where the cathedral crypt dates back to the church’s foundation by Wilfrid.
Fountains Abbey, set in a striking 18th century landscape, is amongst the most exceptional Cistercian houses in Europe, and the ruins of Augustinian Bolton Priory command a majestic position on the banks of the River Wharfe – a scene much admired by J M W Turner.
Our focus will then turn to much overlooked Selby Abbey and graceful Beverley Minster, where Henry V gave thanks after the Battle of Agincourt. Mount Grace Priory is England’s most significant Carthusian survival, whilst York, of course, glories in one of Christendom’s most formidable Gothic churches.
Our tour is based at the Ripon Spa Hotel, just five minutes from the heart of Ripon and its magnificent cathedral.
Date: July 25 – 30, 2010 |
Cost: £890 |
Lecturer: Malcolm Oxley |
Course Code: YOMM10 |
Itinerary
Day 1 Course assembles 1400 at Leeds railway station for visit to Kirkstall Abbey (unique example of early Cistercian architecture). Continue to Ripon for five nights at Ripon Spa Hotel. Evening lecture: Minsters and Monasteries in Mediaeval Yorkshire followed by sherry reception.
Day 2 Morning: Ripon Cathedral (including famous 7th century crypt of St Wilfrid), Fountains Abbey (Chapel of Nine Altars, mediaeval mill, Jacobean Fountains Hall). Afternoon: Bolton Abbey (founded in 1121, beautiful early English Gothic work).
Day 3 Morning: Selby Abbey, Beverley Minster (one of England’s greatest Gothic churches), St Mary’s (parish church with excellent mediaeval sculpture). Afternoon: historic market town of Beverley, Howden Minster (14th century chancel and chapter house).
Day 4 Morning: Nun Monkton (one of England’s finest surviving nunnery churches), Kirk Hammerton (Saxon church). Afternoon: York Minster (magnificent stained glass, chapter house).
Day 5 Morning: Rievaulx Abbey (wonderful three-storied chancel), Byland Abbey (immense cloister), historic town of Helmsley. Afternoon: minster church of St Gregory’s, Kirkdale (Anglo-Saxon remains), Lastingham (Anglo-Saxon monastery), Mount Grace Priory (Carthusian monastery).
Day 6 Adel (Romanesque St John’s Church). Course disperses 1300 at Leeds railway station.
Cost
Cost of £890 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, drinks reception, breakfast & dinner, excursions & admissions (except English Heritage properties).*
Not included: travel insurance, supplement for doubles/twins for single use £60.
*For EH sites, free access on production of EH card; non EH members are required to pay admission charge.