Just before Christmas 2024, we visited the North Yorkshire moors and did a short walk (about 3 miles/ approx. 5 km) to Rievaulx Abbey from the town of Helmsley.
Rievaulx was once one of the most powerful Cistercian monasteries in England but was severely impacted by the Dissolution of the Monasteries, a policy brought about under King Henry VIII (the one with the 6 wives) as part of what was called ‘The Reformation’.
As a bit of background, one of the primary reasons for the Reformation was the fact that Henry wanted to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and the Pope would not allow it, so in 1534 Henry created the Church of England to effectively split from Rome.
As the monasteries were a reminder of the power of the Catholic church, they were either stripped of their wealth, destroyed and/or closed.
To understand the sheer magnitude of these abbeys and monasteries, you really need to see one in person.
Today, English Heritage manage the Rievaulx Abbey site. There is a very good little museum with artefacts from archaeological digs conducted previously, including a pendant with the coat of arms of King Edward II, who fled to Rievaulx to escape the Scots in the early 14th century. In general, the museum provides a background relating to the history of the Abbey and is a good place to start your visit.
Then just wander around the Abbey ruins. It is astounding and must have been truly magnificent in its day.
At the end, grab a bit of cake in the coffee shop at the visitors centre and enjoy a lovely view of the whole site.
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