Background Information

'Everywhere peace, everywhere serenity, and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world’. Written over eight centuries ago by the monastery's third abbot, St Aelred, these words are still pretinent to Rievaulx today. Set in a beautiful and tranquil valley, it is among the most atmospheric and complete of all the ruined abbeys of the north.

Words are not the only link to Rievaulx's medieval monks. Over the past few years, the site has become something of an archaeological treasure, with unexpected discoveries shedding new light on the lives of the monks, and the extensive renewal and rebuilding of their abbey church in the Early English Gothic style. Archaeologists continue to study the landscape around Rievaulx, revealing the remarkable extent of the abbey's influence and industry. Their discoveries are showcased within the on-site museum.

The abbey was founded by St Bernard of Clairvaux, as part of the missionary effort to reform Christianity in western Europe. Just 12 Clairvaux monks came to Rievaulx in 1132. From these modest beginnings grew one of the wealthiest monasteries of medieval England and the first northern Cistercian monastery. Rievaulx also enjoyed the protection of Walter Espec of nearby Helmsley Castle, who provided much of the abbey's land. The monks of neighbouring Byland Abbey disputed land ownership with Rievaulx, which led to engineering works to divert the course of the River Rye, the boundary between their properties. You can still see traces of the old river and the channels dug by the monks.

A steady flow of monks came to Rievaulx, attracted by the prestige of Abbot Aelred, author and preacher, who was regarded then and later as a wise and saintly man. Following his death in 1167, the monks of Rievaulx sought canonisation for their former leader, and in the 1220s they rebuilt the east part of their church in a much more elaborate style to house his tomb. Most of this 13th-century 'presbytery' still stands to virtually its full impressive height, a reminder of Rievaulx's original splendour.

Rievaulx was still a vibrant community when Henry VIII dissolved it in 1538. Its new owner, Thomas Manners, first Earl of Rutland, swiftly instigated the systematic destruction of the buildings. However, the substantial remains constitute one of the most eloquent of all monastic sites, free 'from the tumult of the world'. School children from the local area have helped in creating a Sensory Garden full of scented and flavoured herbs, amid tile motifs based on medieval designs.

Don't miss the exciting indoor exhibition, The Work of God and Man, which explores the agricultural, industrial, spiritual and commercial aspects of Rievaulx's history, employing a variety of lively and interactive displays. There are family-friendly books and activities, and special children's trails during school holidays.

Byland Abbey and Helmsley Castle are both within reasonable travelling distance: Helmsley Castle can be reached on foot via the Cleveland Way National Trail. Approx. 1 1/2 hours (5.6 km/31⁄2 miles) each way. Strong footwear is required.