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Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal The Historic Environment 1

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

The Historic Environment Resource Pack for KS3 and KS4 History

Contents

The reasons for the location of the site within its surroundings 3

When and why people first created the site 4

The ways in which the site has changed over time 5

How the site has been used throughout its history 6

The diversity of activities and people associated with the site 7

The reasons for changes to the site and to the way it was used 8

Significant times in the site’s past: peak activity, major developments, turning points 9

The significance of specific features in the physical remains of the site 10

The importance of the whole site either locally or nationally, as appropriate 11

The typicality of the site based on a comparison with other similar sites 12

What the site reveals about everyday life, attitudes and values in particular periods of history 13

How the physical remains may prompt questions about the past 14

How the physical remains can inform artistic reconstructions and other interpretations of the site 16

The challenges and benefits of studying the historic environment 17

Appendix One: Site Map 18

Appendix Two: Timeline 19

Contact details 23


The reasons for the location of the site within its surroundings

In 1132 the Archbishop of York granted land in the Valley of the River Skell to 13 monks from St Mary’s Abbey, York who were determined to found a new reformed monastery. The site offered many advantages: the river, the fresh springs in the hills nearby, the timber from trees and the stone in the cliffs, and crucially the isolation of the site—far from the worldly distractions of village and town.

Over time the nature of the location has changed, particularly with the creation of the Georgian water garden, created by the Aislabies in the 18th Century, with the abbey as its focal point, as the ultimate romantic “folly”.


Source a)

This source explains one of the reasons why the site has World Heritage Status

World Heritage Site Status Criterion iv

Combining the remains of one of the richest abbeys in England, the Jacobean Fountains Hall and Burges’s miniature neo-Gothic masterpiece of St Mary’s, with the water gardens and deer park into one harmonious whole, Studley Royal Park including the ruins of Fountains Abbey illustrates the power of medieval monasticism and the taste and wealth of the European upper classes in the eighteenth century.

This aerial photograph shows the location of the site within its surroundings

A

When and why people first created the site

In 1132 a group of monks from St Mary’s Abbey in York became disillusioned with the way their abbey was being run. They wanted a stricter adherence to the rules, and these views brought them into conflict with the abbot of St Mary’s and ultimately led to them leaving the monastery. They were taken into the protection of the Archbishop of York who, in the winter of 1132, granted them land in the Skell valley where they could found their monastery and begin to cultivate the land.


Source b) i)

Extract from Thurstan, Archbishop of York’s letter to William, Archbishop of Canterbury, explaining the flight of the monks who left St Mary’s York

… Since, therefore it was impossible to restore peace amongst the monks, we returned home, taking with us the thirteen monks … Many of them were learned men and all were seeking the true observance both of their rule and their profession, and of the Gospel. And so they are lodged in the house of the Blessed Peter and of us … But the monks of the abbey are still giving way to their rage and hatred.

Source b) ii)

Extract from The History of English Affairs by William Newburgh 1189.

Among his (Thurstan’s) other good works we must above all attribute to his devoted enthusiasm and scrupulous diligence the foundation and development of the most famous monastery of Fountains … Finally he set them in a place of pasture. The place is called Fountains, where continuously from that time onwards so many have drunk, as it were, from the Saviour’s fountains the waters that leap up to eternal life

‘Exam style’ questions to think about:

Study Photograph b) and Source b) i). Which of these sources is more useful to the historian studying the founding of Fountains Abbey in 1132?

(OCR EMW style question)

B

Photograph b) This photograph shows the traces of the first timber buildings at Fountains, built in 1133 and visible only as the settings of timber post beneath the foundations of the first timber church

The ways in which the site has changed over time

Fountains Abbey has a story lasting nearly 900 years, and over that time there have been many changes. The monastic period runs from 1132-1539. In 1539 the Dissolution of the Monasteries leads to the partial destruction of the buildings and the construction of Fountains Hall. From 1723 the Aislabie family began to develop the water garden, and in 1767 Fountains became part of the Studley Royal estate. From this time until 1965 the estate was private but increasingly attracted tourist visitors. In 1983 the National Trust took over the estate, ensuring a focus on visitor experience and conservation.


Source c) i) The Surprise View, by Balthazar Nebot, 1768

Source c) ii) A modern artistic impression of the abbey c.1300


“The main change that monasteries demonstrated was the growing popularity of the monastic life.”

How far does a study of Fountains Abbey support this statement?

Explain your answer

You should refer to Fountains Abbey and your contextual knowledge.

(AQA style question)

C

This photograph shows the modern Visitor Centre, built in 1992 to provide the facilities for the increasing numbers of visitors to Fountains Abbey

How the site has been used throughout its history

From the monastic period to the present day, Fountains Abbey has always been a busy place, and has always been a centre of economic activity. The monks combined their spiritual concerns with becoming skilled managers of the estate, making it the richest Cistercian monastery in the country. Similarly the present concern with conservation and access have, by necessity, to be combined with economic activity.


Source d)

Extract from the Bursar’s Books, Fountains Abbey 1457-8. This short extract gives an idea of the extent of the economic activity on the monastic estate.

Of wool sold. Of best wool sold 4 sacks and 15 ½ stones, £13.5s.3

Of medium wool 24 1⁄2 stones, 40s.4d.

Of black wool 1 sack and 2 ½ stones, 24s.11d

Of grey wool (blank)

Of refuse (blank)

Of locks 10 stones, 7s.9d.

Total sacks, 7 sacks and ½ stone.

Total (£16.8s.6d) £16.17s.3d.)

Of sheepskin sold, 38s.2d


Explain why Fountains Abbey became the richest Cistercian monastery in the country by the mid 13th Century.

OCR EMW style question

D

This photograph shows the mill, the earliest parts of which date from the 1130’s and which was in continuous operation until 1937

A modern artistic impression of the abbey c.1300

From the monks, lay brothers, merchants and monarchs associated with the abbey in the monastic period, through the Aislabie period of high society to the current period of wide access, many people in the locality and beyond have been associated with Fountains Abbey and Studley royal. This diversity is well illustrated by looking at one particular story: From 1939-1946 Queen Ethelburga’s school were evacuated to the estate and for this group of school girls, it was an unforgettable experience.


Source e)

Extract from the written memories of Diana St John Brooks who attended Queen Ethelburga’s school during WWII

Two days before we left QE in 1941, three of us decided to break out of Studley Royal after lights-out and walk down to Fountains Abbey through the deer park. It was quite easy to unbolt the outside door and we had a wonderful walk by moonlight. The abbey looked majestic and tranquil and eerie and all we had hoped for. We were then arrested on the way back to school by the Home Guard – Dad’s Army themselves! We said we were domestic staff and they were only too relieved to let us go! Next day we each chose a member of staff to tell about our escapade. It has been a treasured memory for 62 years.

This photograph shows Fountains Hall, the mansion completed in 1604 for Stephen Procter, the owner of the Estate after the Reformation. The Queen Ethelburga’s girls had their sick room here from 1939-46

E

Source f) ii) A photograph showing tourists resting on the bank, c.1890

The reasons for changes to the site and to the way it was used

The site has changed in response to the broader changes around it. For example in the 14th Century the Scottish wars and the Black Death led to declining numbers of monks, the end of the lay brothers, and economic difficulties for the abbey. In 1539 Henry VIII’s marital and financial difficulties, coupled with the growth of Protestant ideas, led directly to the end of the monastic period. In the post dissolution period the site has continued to respond to events and trends, for example the coming of the railway to Ripon in 1848 led to a boom in tourism in the area and accompanying changes in the use of the site.


Source f) i)

An extract from A Brief Description of places of Public Interest, in the County of York, within twenty six miles of the city, 1843 A.E. Hargrove

“This delightful place is open to the public every day, Sundays excepted, until five o’clock in the evening… (T)he gounds are entirely enclosed and cannot be seen without the attendance of a guide, who will always be found at readiness at the lodge… the time usually occupied in going over this enchanting place… is from three to four hours, and the customary fee given to the guide is half–a–crown.

This photograph shows the ruins of Fountains Abbey in 2010

F

Significant times in the site’s past: peak activity, major developments, turning points

There are many turning points in this complex site’s history, but perhaps the most important would include:

1132 The foundation of the abbey

1348-50 The Black Death which led to economic decline at the abbey, reduced numbers of monks and led to the farming of the abbey granges by tenant farmers rather than by lay brothers

1539 The Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII

1767 William Aislabie unites the Fountains and Studley estates

1966 Henry Vyner sells the estate to the West Riding County Council

1983 The National Trust buys the estate

1986 Studley Royal with Fountains Abbey becomes a World Heritage site


Source g) Licence to Convert Granges to Secular Use (1363) from the Abbot of Citeaux

This source shows how the abbey had to adjust to the economic changes of the mid 14th century

After the presentation of this letter and our receipt of it, we were informed in greater detail that the abbot and convent had and still have granges (namely Aldborough, Slenyngford, Sutton, Couton, Cayton, Bramley, Bradley, Kilnsey and Thorp) attached to their monastery which, through the hostile raids of the Scots, the misfortunes of war, the plagues of mortality and bad weather long persisting in those parts, and other chance occurrences, were and are largely ruined in their buildings; their lands, once fertile and bountiful, are reduced almost to barrenness, because the abbot and convent have not the capacity to rebuild the aforementioned buildings, so ruined and collapsed, or to cultivate the lands for their benefit, nor does it appear that they will be able to gather from them in future. So they urgently pressed their plea with us… that they should be allowed to convert and reduce the aforesaid granges into vills, and should be able to transfer them to laymen for an annual rent…

This photograph shows the cellarium, which was originally built to provide eating and working space for the large numbers of lay brothers, but was later divided up into store rooms and offices when the lay brothers declined in numbers and then disappeared. It has now been opened up again so that visitors can appreciate the architecture

G

The significance of specific features in the physical remains of the site

The abbey ruins are the best preserved Cistercian monastery ruins in the country. The standing buildings and the archaeological remains tell us much about how the abbey developed over its 400 year history as a working monastery, and how the monks within it lived. One of the best preserved spaces is the refectory (dining room) which gives us much insight into the daily life of the monks. Many other features of the site could also be singled out e.g. the Cellarium (see section g) or Huby’s tower (see section l).


Source h) Extract from the Rule of St Benedict

The Rule of St Benedict was the rule book which the monks of Fountains Abbey aimed to follow in their daily lives.

At meals of the brethren there should always be reading, but not by anyone who happens to take up the book. There shall be a reader for the whole week, and he is to begin on Sunday…. There is to be complete silence, so that no whisper nor any voice other than that of the reader be heard there. Whatever is wanted for eating and drinking the brethren should pass to one another, so that no one need ask for anything. If, however, something is wanted, it should be asked for by some sign or sound rather than by speaking.

This picture shows an artist’s impression of the refectory. Most of the features can still be seen, including the bases of the great marble columns, and of some of the stone tables

H

The importance of the whole site either locally or nationally, as appropriate

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of 26 in the UK and 1031 in the world. This is testament to the site’s local and national importance. The abbey ruins themselves are the best preserved ruins of a Cistercian monastery in the country. In 1535 there were more than 800 monasteries in England and more than 10,000 monks, nuns, friars and canons. Fountains Abbey was the richest Cistercian monastery in the country. With more than 400,000 visitors a year Fountains Abbey continues to have great significance locally and nationally.


I

Source i)

This source explains one of the reasons why the site has World Heritage Status

World Heritage Site Status Criterion i

“Studley Royal Park, including the ruins of Fountains Abbey, owes its originality and striking beauty to the fact that a humanised landscape was created around the largest medieval ruins in the United Kingdom. The use of these features, combined with the planning of the water garden itself, is a true masterpiece of creative genius”

This photograph shows one of the doorways into the Chapter house in the cloister of Fountains Abbey, showing how well preserved and impressive the ruins are

This photograph shows the view of the abbey from Surprise View in the water gardens

The typicality of the site based on a comparison with other similar sites

Fountains Abbey can be compared with other monastic sites locally or nationally, by comparing the buildings, the written records and the accounts. Comparison with local Cistercian monasteries such as Rievaulx, Jervaulx or Byland abbeys reveal the similarities of architecture which resulted from following the Cistercian monastic plan. The accounts and details of land ownership show that Fountains was richer and owned more land than its daughter monasteries in the north, but did not reach the income of the great Benedictine monasteries such as Glastonbury. Uniquely, Fountains Abbey was to become the central feature in one of the most spectacular designed gardens of the Georgian period.


J

This photograph shows the nave of the church at Rievaulx Abbey

This photograph show the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey

Source j)

This is an artists’ impression of Rievaulx Abbey; we can see similarities and differences between Rievaulx and Fountains abbeys, as they are understood from their remains today.

What the site reveals about everyday life, attitudes and values in particular periods of history

The abbey ruins reveal, above all, the life, attitudes and values of Cistercian monks. For example the monumental simplicity of the nave, with its originally white painted walls, underlines the centrality of prayer and the 8 daily services for the monks. The absence of fireplaces except in the warming room reveals the lack of luxury that was one of the hallmarks of monasticism (at least in the earlier days). At the same time, the storage space of the cellarium, the “strong room” for legal documents (the muniments room) and the industrial buildings of the mill, bakehouse and woolhouse all reveal that the monastery was also a thriving economic business.


K

This photograph shows the fireplace in the warming room, the only fireplace which most of the monks would have had access to

This photograph show the nave of the church

Source k) The Rule of St Benedict Chapter XIX

The Rule of St Benedict was the rule book which the monks of Fountains Abbey aimed to follow in their daily lives.

We believe that God is present everywhere, and that the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the good and the bad; but most of all should we believe this without any shadow of doubt, when we are engaged in the work of God. We should therefore always be mindful of the prophet’s words, “Serve the Lord with fear.” And again, “Sing wisely.” And yet again, “In the sight of the angels I will sing to you.” We must therefore consider how we should behave in the sight of the Divine Majesty and his Angels, and as we sing our Psalms let us see to it that our mind is in harmony with our voice.”


a) Describe two main features of monastic life at Fountains Abbey.

b) Explain why the closing of Fountains Abbey in 1539 was significant in showing religious change in England in the 16th century.

(Eduquas style question)

How the physical remains may prompt questions about the past

The remains of Fountains Abbey can prompt many questions. Perhaps the most obvious would be “Why is Fountains Abbey a ruin?” This leads to an enquiry into the Dissolution of the monasteries which might include questions about the motivation of Henry VIII and Cromwell, whether the experience at Fountains was typical, and whether the dissolution was resisted at Fountains or elsewhere.

Another question might be prompted by Huby’s tower. The observant might notice that it was built of a different stone (magnesian limestone) to the rest of the abbey and that other Cistercian abbeys did not have large bell towers. Huby’s tower was built in the early 1500’s, only 30 or so years before the Dissolution of the monasteries. Historians might ask “Does this mean that Fountains Abbey was thriving in the years leading up to the Dissolution?” “Does this disagree with the Visitation report of 1536 by Henry VIII’s men which showed monasticism to be in decline?”


L

This photograph shows Huby’s tower, built in the 1500’s

Source l) i) Mark Newman “The Wonder of the North. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal” 2016

“The last great abbot, Marmaduke Huby, repaired many of the outlying granges and renovated the choir of the church and the Infirmary/Abbot’s Lodging complex, while at the abbey itself he oversaw Fountains’ most distinctive structure, Huby’s Tower, the bell tower added to the north transept. Long gone were the days when Cistercians forswore the vanity of bells: Fountains enjoyed no fewer than ten.”


L

Source l) iii)

JJ Scarisbrick in “The Reformation and the English People” 1984

“On the whole, English men and women did not want the Reformation and most of them were slow to accept it when it came”

This photograph shows the ruins of Fountains Abbey

Source l) ii)

The Visitation 1536: Letter from Dr Layton and Dr Legh to Cromwell, 20th January 1536

The abbot of Fountains has so greatly dilapidated this house, wasted their woods, notoriously keeping 6 whores, one day denying these articles with many more, the next day confessing, thus manifestly incurring perjury. Six days before our access to this monastery he committed theft and sacrilege, confessing the same. At midnight he caused his chaplain to steal the sexton’s keys and take out a jewel, a cross of gold with stones. One Warren, a goldsmith of the Cheap, was with him in his chamber at that hour, and there they stole out a great emerald with a ruby. The said Warren made the abbot believe the ruby to be but a garnet, and so for that he paid nothing for the emerald but £20...


a) How useful are sources l) ii) and l) iii) for an enquiry into the reasons behind the Dissolution of the Monasteries 1536-41?

Explain your answer, using Sources l) ii) and l) iii) and your knowledge of the historical context.

b) How could you follow up Source l) ii) to find out more about the reasons behind the Dissolution of the Monasteries?

In your answer, you must give the question you would ask and the type of source you could use.

(EdExcel style question)

Source m)

Sketches of ideas for the interpretation of the Muniments room. This room was where important and valuable documents relating to the abbey’s land and business holdings were stored. The interpretation aims to give an impression of this use and therefore of the economic and business role of the abbey.

How the physical remains can inform artistic reconstructions and other interpretations of the site

There have been many attempts to understand the abbey and its use over time. These include models and artists’ impressions of the interiors (which often include drawn figures to try and show how the monks experienced the abbey.) These reconstructions are based on the ruins, but have sometimes proved to be inaccurate as archaeology or analysis of the remains reveal new insight (for e.g. we now know there was a large guest house immediately to the west of the cellarium.) Other interpretations of the site include costumed interpretation and, a new interpretation project which aims to give a sense of the spaces and their use, whilst not attempting an accurate reconstruction.


M

This picture shows an artist’s reconstruction of the nave

This picture shows an artist’s reconstruction of the refectory

The challenges and benefits of studying the historic environment

There are many challenges facing the historian carrying out fieldwork at Fountains Abbey. The hundreds of years of history on the site are often layered on top of one another and this can make the site frustratingly difficult to understand — although the fantastic preservation and relatively slight interference since 1539 makes it easier than at many similar sites. In addition the vagaries of the weather in North Yorkshire present their challenges. However the benefits of being in the historic space, observing the details and literally feeling the past, in our view outweigh the difficulties!


N

This photograph shows flooding in the abbey ruins

This photograph shows an object, possibly an apple press, which has been moved, at some point in history, to the centre of the cellarium. This unlikely position makes it difficult to identify, and is confusing to the historian or visitor

Source n) Glyn Coppack “Fountains Abbey. The Cistercians in Northern England” 2009

“The story of Fountains Abbey is written not only in contemporary documents but also in the surviving fabric of its buildings and its buried archaeology. This story has been unravelled over the past 40 years in the course of the abbey’s conservation by English Heritage… Our knowledge is still imperfect and the full story can never be known for the site is an incomplete shell that is only documented for part of its history, and its archaeology has only been sampled.”


a) Choose a turning point in your site’s history. Explain how and why this changed the importance of the site, either locally or nationally. Use physical features of the site as well as your knowledge to support your answer.

b) What challenges are there when trying to understand the appearance of your site when it was first created and how could someone overcome these challenges? Use physical features of the site as well as your knowledge to support your answer.

c) Imagine that an artist has been hired to do a painting showing the diversity of everyday life at your site, at a particular time in its past. What would you tell the artist to help make the painting historically accurate? Use historical features of the site as well as your knowledge to support your answer.

(OCR SHP style question)

Appendix One: Site Map


Appendix Two: Timeline


1100

1200

1300

1132

Archbishop Thurston helps thirteen monks from York to start a new abbey

Studley Royal Estate

Fountains Abbey Estate

1140’s

The abbey water mill starts to grind flour

1170

The abbey is well established with around 60 monks and 200 laybrothers

1200

Small farming communities grow up, among them Studlei Magna

1300

Sheep disease and poor harvests lead the abbey into debt

1314

Hungry Scots raid the abbey and its farms

1381

Only 34 monks remain at Fountains Abbey

1350

The Black Death claims many lives

1356

Sir Richard Tempest is Lord of Studley

1230

Wool sales increase the abbey’s wealth


1400

1500

1600

c. 1400

Studley village disappears. The manor house, Studley Hall, remains

1452

William Mallorie is owner of Studley Hall. The Mallories live at Studley for the next 200 years

1480s

Abbot Darnton repairs and rebuilds the abbey Church

1500

Abbot Huby builds the great tower

1539

Fountains Abbey is surrendered to King Henry VIII. All the monks leave

1600

Studley is shown as a fenced park on a map of 1600

1604

Sir Stephen Proctor builds Fountains Hall and lives there

1667

George Aislabie of York marries Mary Mallorie of Studley

1627

The Messenger family owns the Fountains Abbey Estate for six generations. The Aislabies make approaches to buy but ther Messengers refuse

1693

John Aislabie inherits Studley from his father. He begins to plan his water garden


1700

1800

1716

Work starts on the Lake, Canal and Moon Pond

1742

William Aislabie inherits the estate from his father. He develops the Water Garden, a Chinese garden and rebuilds Studley Hall

1781

William dies, with the Water Garden much as it is today

1845

Earl de Grey owns the estate

1849-58

JR Walbran excavates the abbey

1870s

William Burges designs St Mary’s Church for the 1st Marquess of Ripon

1840s—1930’s

The Mill saws timber as well as grinding flour

1859

The future Marquess of Ripon inherits the estate

1767

William buys the Fountains Abbey estate and the two estates become one

1767

The Messengers fall on hard times and agree to sell the Fountains Abbey estate to William Aislabie

1790s

Mrs Allanson, William’s daughter, creates a ‘garden feature’ at the Surprise View to reveal the abbey ruins

Fountains Abbey and

Studley Royal estates m

erge in 1767


1900

2000

1897–1926

Studley Royal Golf Club is set out in the park

1909

2nd Marquess of Ripon inherits 1923

Clare and Doris Vyner own the estate1939

Queen Ethelburga’s School is billeted in Studley Hall

1946

A great fire destroys Studley Hall. Only the stable block survives

1966

Henry Vyner sells the estate, to be bought by West Riding CC

1983

The National Trust buys the estate 1986

Studley Royal with Fountains Abbey becomes a World Heritage Site

2008

Porter’s Lodge Interpretation Centre opens

1992

New Visitor Centre opens

1997–2001

The restored Mill opens to visitors

Contact details

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY

Emma Manners, Education Officer T: 01765643196 E: [email protected]

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Ripon, HG4 3DY T: 01765608888 E: [email protected]

/fountains abbey

@fountains abbey


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