The Bolton Abbey guidebook states that a small group of Augustinian canons and their Prior came across the hill from Embsay to make a new start in Bolton. They were ordained priests, living together like monks but they were also involved with the local people.
Remarkably, the east end gable has survived to full height, as well as a considerable section of the north transept. This great building was constructed in various stages over a period of some 350 years, progress often halted by invasion, poverty, sickness, and the severity of northern winters. Consequently, the west tower – still under construction at the time of the Dissolution – was never completed. Little evidence remains of the monastic outbuildings but the claustral range foundations can still be identified. The Chapter House was of octagonal design and must have presented a wonderful sight in this quiet, valley setting. Sadly, all that survives today is the arched entrance of the Chapter House passage.
i think I may have scene that in an episode of Rick Steve’s Travel Show !
It is not a show I have watched but it sounds like I might get some ideas from the show.
It is a splendid ruin, One can only imagine what it was like before the dissolution
I think would have looked very impressive, especialy in that setting.
Great photos! Certainly awake our imagination. I just keep thinking of the people who were put to work erecting those immense buildings. I wonder how they were treated. No unions in those days. It must have been such hard labour. Whenever I read novels of the past, or history books, I learn that entire families practically lived all their lives on the steps of those buildings (like Notre Dame de Paris). They were nearly enslaved by the job of creating architectural masterpieces, which took centuries to achieve, and which we admire so much today.
It is a testament to their work that they are still standing today. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like to live and work like that.
I think that many of them were sustained by their faith, Cherie. They were labouring at those churches and cathedrals for the glory and the love of God. We do different things today (like MSF). Thanks for your post which brough those thoughts in my mind.
Thanks Claude, I am glad you enjoyed it. There is a little bit more to these ruins in a post I have scheduled in a couple of days time.
Absolutely stunning!
Great site to practise framing.
Thank you
It is a good place to work on framing. The last shot here I was one of my favourites in that respect. The challenge was made more difficult due to lots of people milling around!
It is difficult to understand how people in previous centuries only saw a partial building for 350 years. It’s poignant and sad that we should also see it that way.
I find it a bitter sweet thing, the ruins are so romantic. I would however love to see what it looked like fully standing.