Founded in 687 AD by Oswy as Streanshalh (King of Northumbria) Whitby Abbey was a double monestary of monks and nuns. In 664 AD, the Abbey hosted the Synod which brought reconciliation between the Celtic church and Rome, but in 867 it was attacked by Vikings and lay empty until refounded in Norman times.
Not surprisingly, Henry VIII was the final straw with his policy of dissolving monestaries and in 1540, it was destroyed.
This is hauntingly beautiful. No wonder Bram Stoker was so inpsired.
ReplyDeleteA perfect read for Sunday! So much history and a DOUBLE monastery! I try to publish something spiritual/religious every Sunday. Wish we had something with that much history. But then, I'm on this side of the Atlantic...............
ReplyDeleteRead your header. Had a dream last night that I took lots of print shots and they were duds. I remember those days!
No abbeys over here - a small monastery in a modern house in town, and a community of Poor Clares in another modern setting up-island.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shot - and I always like to see a picture of an historic site with people included somewhere - gives context.
I just love your posts. This one felt like a tiny little vacation in the middle of my day. Someday I'll take a vacation and really see these beautiful places you share!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful old ruin. Thanks for taking us on this photo tour around your part of the world. LOVe it!
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