St Robert

Just before we left Knaresborough this morning, we went on a short walk from where our friends live and found - St Robert's Cave.

St Robert's Cave, a rare example of a medieval hermitage, was cut out of the magnesium limestone bedrock and was home to St Robert from about 1190 until his death in 1218. St Robert was born Robert Flower in York and to a wealthy family, but he gave up everything to pursue a religious vocation, eventually ending up at this cave beside the River Nidd. 

He established a small community here and they had a little chapel, the remains of which can be seen. Here he supported the physical and spiritual needs of the pilgrims who visited him, the most famous of whom was King John who travelled here in 1216. It's a lovely spot. 

St Robert's Well
I read that there was once a holy well dedicated to St Robert and we actually found it on a map. My friend and I went in search (a kindred spirit!) and eventually we found a twee wishing well placed in a Business Park (Monkswell Business Park), not that far from the Cave. Sadly there was no sign of a spring nor any water at all and the well appeared to have turned into a giant ashtray.

We have had a lovely few days with friends we have known for a very long time. They have moved to a fine house in a great place, Yorkshire of course, and have entertained us extremely well.