Nun Monkton Priory

Another collage. (View large)
Such a wonderful day, one photo wouldn't have done it justice.

We went over to Nun Monkton, as the Priory gardens were open for the first time as part of the National Garden Scheme.

This has to be one of the most beautiful villages in Yorkshire.
I have seen the house from a distance many times when we have walked down to the river, and so couldn't miss the opportunity to have a closer look.

The house wasn't open to the public, but just to see the outside and the beautiful gardens was a privilege.

The top photo is of the house, bottom right the village green and maypole, ( the tallest in England) bottom left the confluence of the rivers Nidd and Ouse.

The house dates from 1660, but long before that a small monastic settlement existed here prior to the arrival of the Vikings ( hence the " Monk" part of the village name) The nuns came about 100 years after the Norman Conquest in about 1172.
The priory was dissolved in 1536 by Henry VIII, and the church became the village church.

During the second world war the house became a convalescent home for servicemen.

The house is privately owned, and the grounds are beautifully kept, including the rose garden , herbacious borders ,vegetable garden, greenhouses, tennis court, and swimming pool.

The church of St Mary dating from 1153 is next to the house. This is very beautiful, with an amazing history, which I will save for another blip, next time we visit.

We had a very good Sunday lunch (roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, Etc.) at the village pub," The Alice Hawthorn". This is named after the horse who won both the Doncaster Cup, and the Queen's Vase in the 1840's.

With lovely sunny weather, inspite of a few clouds, it was a perfect English Summer's Day.
Hope there are many more to come!