Bolton Abbey

Down the path to Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey Estate, in the Yorkshire Dales, has been in the family of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire since the 1750s and covers over 30,000 acres. Bolton Abbey has been a distinct Estate for about 1, 000 years and today extends along a 6 mile stretch of the River Wharfe between Bolton and Barden bridges.

The Estate includes over 80 miles of footpaths through some of the most spectacular scenery in England. There are walks alongside the river Wharfe, through Strid Wood, with its rich variety of wildlife and as a complete contrast, some paths cross the exposed purple heights of heather moorland.

The first time I saw Bolton Abbey was on the world wide web. Its history was ancient and the scenery, breathtaking. Later, as a housewarming gift, a friend of mine gave me a print of Bolton Abbey signed by Keith Melling. Melling's work is defined as traditional English landscape paintings. When presented with the opportunity to see the very same Abbey that hangs in a frame in my office, I couldn't resist.

We got there in the early afternoon; just in time to see children splashing about in the River Wharfe. Not too far from them were several cows also enjoying their surroundings. It seems they roam pretty much free on the Estate. Bolton Abbey still remains a working Estate as it was hundreds of years ago. "Bolton" means "an enclosure with a house." This may have been the manor house of Edwin, a Saxon earl.

Bolton

Bolton Abbey

The history of Bolton Priory, stems back to the 12th century. The Black Canons of the Order of St. Augustine sheltered here at Bolton, where the pursued a life of service and worship.

We also visited the priory church of St Mary's and St Cuthbert. The church is still used today for worship to those who wish. It is truly an experience walking through a it as it was hundreds of years ago.

We were free to walk to grounds. As with all places on this planet, tread lightly, when visiting. We walked around the cemetary adjoining Bolton Abbey.

Askew tombstones rested among family mausoleums. Some of the inscriptions on the tomb dated back hundreds of years, some were barely recognizable as time had worn away the carvings.

Bolton Abbey Ruins

Bolton Abbey Ruins

This is the inner part of the Choir wall that was left standing. The Choir was built in the 12th century and it is where the choir would be during religious services a the Priory. On the outside of this wall is the cemetary pictured above. The Estate itself is a peaceful place where you can bring a picnic and sit under a shady tree to relax.

It was way passed noon and we were hungry. We pressed on and found a quaint little place in Linton that was willing to feed us! The bartender was very nice and kindly gave me a bar towel. If you don't know what a bar towel is, then make it a point to visit a pub the next time you're in the UK!

The sun was high in the sky as we went on to Fountains Abbey.

Exploring London

Onward to Fountains Abbey

Exploring Yorkshire