I visited Rufford Abbey back at the end of May. It’s the ruin of a cistercian abbey dating back to the 11th century and then later incorporated into a mansion house in the 17th century.
The monastery was closed by Henry VIII when England broke away from the catholic church in 1530. Henry appointed commissioners to find evidence that would allow him to close the abbey. Apparently, one of the “disgraceful offences” that permitted this to happen was an allegation that the abbot, Thomas of Doncaster, had broken his vows of chastity with several single and married women. Following this, the abbey and lands were granted to George Talbot, one of the wealthiest people in the land at that time, and construction of the new house began.
In the 15th century, the estate passed to Sir George Savile. Savile supported the Royalists during the English Civil War, and his support for the royal family allowed for prosperity in the years following the restoration of the monarchy.
During World War II, the estate was requisitioned and used by the Leicestershire Yeomanry, 6th Cavalry Brigade. By the end of the war the estate was in poor state and Nottinghamshire County Council bought the estate to preserve it. This included demolition of some parts of the structure.
In 1969, the estate was officially designated a Country Park.
It’s not possible to enter the ruin itself, but the whole thing is surrounded by Rufford Abbey Country Park, incorporating gardens, woodland, a reservoir and various cafes and other entertainments. The park itself is free to enter, but there is a parking charge if you arrive by car.
It was a pretty hot day when I visited and there were a lot of visitors (although I’ve almost completely managed to keep them out of these pictures!). There is a large adventure playground making it ideal for familes, plus acres of open grassland, formal gardens, and woodland trails that are nice to experence and explore.
Fujica GW690 & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+9 15mins 45secs @ 20°
Taken 27 May 2023.
Steel City Snapper photography 