Shapes and Shadows....

When my children were little and we visited historical sites I always told them to touch the stones and feel the history. There is nearly a thousand years of history to touch in the shapes and shadows of Bolton Abbey. 

This atmospheric Augustinian priory has been a place of worship since the 1100s and the nave of the Abbey is still part of the adjacent Parish church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert. 

The shapes and shadows twist and turn and are achingly beautiful

Glorious windows and hidden doorways

 look out onto  a landscape that probably hasn't changed very much

over the last 1000 years

Long shadows play across hidden corners

There is peace and tranquilly to be found near these ancient stones and the echo of long forgotten footsteps still echo in the shapes and shadows of hidden corners.

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Bolton Abbey ~ Yorkshire

Bolton Abbey
Yorkshire

The majestic beauty of Bolton Abbey nestles comfortably in the arms of the Strid Valley

where the remains of the C12 Augustinian priory still exert their indomitable presence on the

hills and dales of lower Wharfedale. 

Sheep quietly go about their business seemingly oblivious to the beauty behind them

The Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert

The nave of the Abbey Church has been in use since 1170 and survived the  

Dissolution of the Monasteries in the C16

Bolton Abbey Hall

Owned by The Cavendish Family

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