Selby Abbey
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Overview
It is said that the French monk Benedict was inspired to build a church by a vision of three swans – which he eventually found swimming together here on the River Ouse. A wealthy monastery grew up, and was given the unusual and prestigious status of a mitred abbey. The buildings were severely damaged by fire in the 14th century, and much of the church as seen today owes its Gothic appearance to additions made in the 15th century. After the Dissolution the church suffered from neglect and decay, but in the 19th century it was restored. A second major fire, in 1906, destroyed the good work, but rebuilding took place almost immediately. Today this attractive parish church’s most remarkable feature is its Jesse Window, one of the finest windows of medieval stained glass in the country. It dates to 1340, and is bright and vivid, in seven long panels. Another 14th-century window depicts the shield of the Washington family, whose descendants include George Washington, and which may have inspired the US flag.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year daily 9–4
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
About the area
North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.
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