Restoration of abbey walled garden

A WALLED garden at a 12th century abbey in a Yorkshire national park has been taken off a national “at risk” register after an ambitious restoration costing nearly £30,000.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Nov 2011, 09:21 BST

The work on the Grade II listed garden at Handale Abbey, near Loftus in the North York Moors National Park, is now inspiring primary school pupils to learn about the heritage on their doorstep. Staff at St Joseph’s School in Loftus are planning a history project so children can learn more about the abbey and the area.

The garden has been taken off the Listed Buildings at Risk Register after walls were repaired and a path and an interpretation panel created.

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The garden is in the grounds of the former Handale Priory, founded in 1133. Rosedale Abbey’s nuns were sent to the priory as penance – presumably because of the long and difficult journey. Following the Reformation, the priory mill was used to manufacture cotton garments and in the 18th century the priory’s ruins were incorporated into the existing farmhouse and walled garden.

The North York Moors National Park Authority and the local LEADER programme provided £28,977 of grants for the work.

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Related topics:Walled GardenYorkshireGrade II