A picture of Fountains Abbey, a Historic Building in the town of Ripon, in the county of North Yorkshire

Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. It is located approximately 3 miles (5 kilometres) south-west of Ripon in North Yorkshire, near to the village of Aldfield. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for 407 years becoming one of the wealthiest monasteries in England until its dissolution in 1539 under the order of Henry VIII.

fountains abbey north yorkshire ruins old ancient cistercian North Yorkshire

This image is available to purchase and is part of our North Yorkshire Stock Photos Collection.