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Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey proved to be a very interesting historical visit. Founded in 1132, monks were the first to inhabit the abbey. By the middle of the 13^th century, it was one of England's wealthiest religious establishments. The area surrounding the abbey was used for farming, mining lead, and horse breeding. The economic status of Fountains Abbey flourished and faltered. Finally in 1539, Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries brought an end to life at the abbey. Ownership of the abbey changed hands many times throughout the years. In 1767, William Aislabie landscaped the abbey ruins as part of his water garden, which we see today. Fountains Abbey finally became part of England's National Trust in 1983.

Pictured above is an outside view of the abbey. On the right, the abbey is pictured from the inside of the main area of worship. During our visit, we saw several groups of children dressed in monk's robes as they toured and learned about the abbey's history.

On the left is another photo from the inside of the abbey. Fountains Abbey is located in the Yorkshire Dales in northern England. This area is one of England's 10 national parks. The rolling hills and stone walls that cover much of the countryside, pictured on the left, are characteristic of this beautiful natural landscape of the dales.

By: Sarah and Lana

| UK 2002 Index | Calendar |