On Monday (29.07.2924), our lovely landlady had the day off and spent it with us. We didn‘t want to sit in the car for hours and therefore chose to visit Bolton Abbey, which is about 45 minutes away.
We‘d never been there, but Julia had been as a little girl with her parents.
Once again, it was a perfect summer‘s day with sunshine and fluffy white clouds in an azure sky.
The entire Bolton Abbey estate belongs to the Duke of Devonshire, and we expected having to pay for admission to the abbey ruins. Instead, a ticket was only required for parking, which was a surprise.
A short stroll through the village brought us to one of the paths leading down a slope towards the river Wharfe and the abbey.
Many families were heading straight for the river, having picnics on the banks and playing by and in the water, but we wanted to explore the ruins.
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| This is where the duke lives when the family are here. |
The adjacent church is still in use, and luckily, we arrived there just as the local vicar started to give a brief historical overview and a tour. We liked him very much; he explained things with charm and humour, putting them in a wider (political) context.
The church has some unique features, among them the back wall painted with plants representing the life of Jesus.
From there, we took a path along this side of the river and then an uphill bit to the fountain of remembrance. Beautiful views from there again.
The drive back to Ripon through beautiful Wharfedale and Nidderdale marked the end of our day out with Julia - definitely to be repeated in the future!
I think I once read a mystery book set around Bolton Abbey but cannot remember the title or story now. Looks lovely and I love seeing the blue skies and pretty clouds in your photos, Meike!
ReplyDeleteI‘ve not yet come across a mystery set at Bolton, I think, but there is one set at Fountains Abbey, published only a few years ago. It is nice to read a book set in a place I know.
DeleteI found the one I was thinking about Murder on a Summer's Day by Frances Brody. She has a series set in 1920s Yorkshire. I also found a blog called "Reading in the Past" that Sarah Johnson writes and she reviews lots of historical fiction and mysteries. Thanks for triggering this memory as now I will read more of Brody's books! :)
DeleteThank you, Ellen! I will have a look for her books at the Kindle shop. The name Frances Brody rings a bell, but according to my blog, I have not yet read anything by her.
DeleteA great place to visit. About 20 years ago we rented a house in Pateley Bridge for a week and friends of ours from London took us on a tour of the area.
ReplyDeletePateley is a picturesque little town, not far from Ripon, and a good starting point for trips into the Dales.
DeleteIt is a lovely area. We were there earlier in the month. Crossing over the stepping stones, one of the dogs decided to go for a swim and we had a scary time fearing he may be swept away by the current and wondering who would have to enter the water to save him! Fortunately he managed to save himself!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds scary! I saw warning signs about the currents being quite strong in places. Good job you didn‘t have to test them personally!
DeleteHow I would have loved to have been with you on this trip to Bolton Abbey! I would love that tour of the church. I must look that up about the painting of the plants. Also, I don't think I've seen anyone use that word "beleaguered" in a very long time. Used perfectly, of course!
ReplyDeleteIt is an unusual and very beautiful place. You‘d also love the village with its picturesque stone cottages and gardens. Let me know when you have found out more about the plants depicting Jesus‘ life; a quick search on the official website for the church and the wikipedia entry didn‘t bring anything up.
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