I’ve been toying with a new idea over the past few weeks – writing about random places I visit. So that’s where we’re heading with this first one: Rufford Abbey.
Rufford Abbey is a historic estate a little north of Nottingham. These days, it’s essentially a glorified country park with some small ruins nearby. The grounds aren’t what they once were, but they remain lively, with little shops, gardens and even a neat adventure golf area that I’m sure many families enjoy.
Let’s talk about history.
During the visit, I learned the abbey began life as a refuge for Cistercian monks, members of a Roman Catholic monastic order who sought a simple way of life. Centuries of weathering have since destroyed much of the original structure, although a Jacobean house and the ruins of an impressive wing remain. A diagram showed the site was once five or six times larger, complete with a charming courtyard at its centre.
I also learned the remains of the west cloister are apparently among the 'best preserved of any Cistercian abbey in the UK'. It's hard to imagine what this may have once looked like but there was a small underground area filled with ornamental carvings and modern displays. It was pretty cool.
The site fell into disrepair around 1530 when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries after breaking with the Church of Rome. The estate then passed to the Savile family, who developed it throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. One addition they made was a corn mill at the far end, just past the lake, complete with a lovely bridge known as a folly. Essentially, a decorative building designed to improve the landscape.
The estate then became costly to maintain and was sold. During World War Two, it served as a base for troops and housed Italian POWs. It finally came under the ownership of Nottinghamshire County Council, who've maintained the site for the best part of 75 years. Sadly, they demolished the north and east wings.
All in all, it was a thoroughly successful trip from Leeds. We were back home in just over an hour.
