Roche Abbey, South Yorkshire

Imagine this scenario. You are told by your boss that you have a business trip to the UK. You've never been before so you are understandably excited and it's a three day trip so surely you can take in the sights. You're already planning to pose inside a red telephone box in front of Big Ben, hit Piccadilly Circus at night and tell all your friends you've had tea with the Queen. Then your boss tells you that you aren't going to London. You try to stay optimistic, you could take an Old Trafford tour if it's Manchester or enjoy the 'City of Culture' and see the Beatles museum if you're based in Liverpool. Then you are informed it's Yorkshire. You can't believe your luck, God's Country! Then, as if you have just been punched in the stomach by Tyson in his prime, your boss mutters 'Rotherham'. Rotherham!? You could watch Rotherham United Football Club said no tourist ever. Do you feel annoyed? Gobsmacked? Confused? Either way, you need somewhere to venture close by, preferably somewhere that's iconic and will calm you down after your disappointment at being sent to 'Rovrum'. Fortunately, I have the answer.

   Just 10 minutes from the A1(M) and M18, Roche Abbey is set in a beautifully landscaped valley a few miles from Maltby, South Yorkshire. After driving along a country road my SatNav took me onto a one lane cobbled track through a wood at which point the signal cut out and told me to do a U-turn. After proceeding down a hill, almost shaking my car to pieces, I arrived in an opening and parked up. The first thing that greets you is a gatehouse which I unfortunately didn't snap a photograph of. This is divided into two gateways, one for carts and the other for pedestrians, in which the monks also distributed food through to the less fortunate of the time. I further found out that the weathered figures of entrance were exceptionally rare for a Cistercian Abbey as images were prohibited on holy buildings. The day was glorious, not a cloud in the sky and having visited midday on a Friday it was empty other than myself. After going through the site shop, owned by English Heritage and costing 3.80GBP, I entered the grounds of which were so serene and tranquil that it still felt spiritual despite being long abandoned and dilapidated. 

   Roche Abbey's surroundings were further landscaped in the 18th century to enhance the aura that the abbey exudes. Two streams also flow through the foundations, creating a halcyon atmosphere as the trickle of water further adds to the soothing environment of the whole scene. The abbey used to be dived into two living quarters, the monks, numbering 150 in its prime, occupied the east and the lay brothers abode in the west.  The only part of the abbey that has survived to any significant height are the transepts which are still viewed as important evidence of Gothic ruins for the North of England. What makes Roche Abbey somewhat unique is that Yorkshire monasteries tended to extend their buildings as required with the growth of its population but Roche maintained its original construction leading to the remains which are left behind now near enough all original, over 800 years old. 

   I spent about 45 minutes strolling around the ruins, over the stream, taking photographs of the columns and ruinous stonework and generally enjoying the peace and quiet. Whether or not you take pleasure in visiting religious or historic sites it's hard to not appreciate how large the monastery would have been as a structure built in the twelfth century, considering it is an example of a modestly sized church. It was Gothic inspired and takes a lot of influence from the French built abbeys of the time as oppose to the Roman style versions. Only 15 minutes from Rotherham town centre, Roche Abbey is a place worth seeing as a part of a day out, whether you're a seasoned historical traveler or just fancy somewhere different to have a picnic on a sunny day. 

For any further information, check out the English Heritage website. Conisborough Castle is also nearby if you fancy something different.

Richard

TwentyToesUK