Jervaulx Abbey
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The Abbey was founded in 1156 by Cistercian Monks who had arrived from France following the Norman Conquest. The Abbey eventually became one of the busiest and wealthiest religious houses, taking its name from the medieval word for valley, and the River Ure or Yorre, 'Jur'. At the height of the monks influence, nearly half of
Wensleydale was in monastic hands with sheep rearing and horse
breeding being their main source of revenue. The monks also
made a soft blue cheese similar to Roquefort (which was popular in
the region of France they came from). Although forbidden from
eating the cheese themselves, it was sold for profit. The area is
still famous today for its (Wensleydale) cheese
production. Today the graceful abbey ruins are but a fraction
of what they once were yet they hold a beauty and romance all of
their own.
The Abbey is also noted for the vast range of wallflowers and shrubs that grow amongst its ruins. It is estimated that there are up to 200 different species. The Abbey has a Tea Room, which is open from mid-March to the 1st Nov and there are disabled toilets on site. The Abbey is open daily during daylight hours. Visitors can
pay for their entrance at the gift shop, or use the honesty box at
the abbey entrance. The admission is £2.00 for Adults
and £1.50 for children.
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