Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire

Founded in 1132, the first Cisterican abbey in the north of England. It became one of the most powerful and spiritually renowned centres of monasticism in Britain. At its height, 650 lived and worked here. It was suppressed in 1538 by Henry VIII.

We enjoyed wandering around these impressive ruins. A very good audio guide helped to imagine what life was like here.

Down in Yorkshire, visiting my sister. #2 and Ch travelled north to join us, a pre Christmas get together as they will be far away in the east during the Festives. Santa hats and stockings filled with treats, good to be together.