On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 of August, English Heritage is offering free guided tours of Thornton Abbey.

Between the abbey’s magnificent gatehouse and the ruins of its church and chapter house lie dozens of humps and bumps – some large and obvious, some low and confusing. These earthworks relate not only to the medieval complex, but to the later reuse of the site as a private home with elaborate gardens. English Heritage landscape archaeologist Dr Al Oswald will lead guided tours explaining how mapping the humps and bumps, together with geophysical survey and targeted excavation, transformed our understanding of this incredibly wealthy and internationally important abbey.

The walking tours will start at 11 am and 2pm on both days and each tour will last about 90 minutes. We will not be able enter the gatehouse, which is currently undergoing conservation works. The walking route will be fairly level, but the ground is uneven in many places, so not suitable for wheelchairs or people with other mobility issues, and the grass can become muddy and slippery after rain. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted, due to the presence of the farmer’s sheep, and the tour is not likely to appeal to under-16s (although they are very welcome!). There are no toilets or other facilities on site and no shelter from bad weather, so please wear appropriate clothing. Parking is available immediately outside the gatehouse, which will be the start-point for the walking tours.