Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey is one of the most beautiful of the English abbeys. During the Christmas season, Fountains is open after dark, when they light the ruins with multicolor floodlights and seasonal music drifts from the main tower.
"The Abbey, Britain's largest monastic ruin, was founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks seeking a simpler life. They later became Cistercian monks.
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII, the Abbey buildings and over 500 acres (202ha) of land were sold by the Crown to Sir Richard Gresham, a merchant. The property was passed down through several generations of Sir Richard's family, finally being sold to Stephen Proctor who built Fountains Hall probably between 1598 and 1604" From Fountains Abbey's website. More abbey history if you are interested.
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