Fountains Abbey marks 30 years as a World Heritage Site

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal celebrated 30 years as a World Heritage Site recently with a host of events.
Fountains AbbeyFountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey

The Fountains estate was recognised by UNESCO, in particular, for its spectacular 18th century landscape and water garden and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site 30 years ago, in 1986.

“It has since welcomed more than 9 million people, being a place of international importance, alongside the pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China and the Cathedral of Notredame,” said a spokesman.

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“In the care of the National Trust, the site has undergone an ambitious programme of restoration and conservation work.”

The weekend marked the opening of a new exhibition - 30 Years of World Heritage Site, which will run until June 29, showcasing the achievements and challenges involved in maintaining the site since 1986.

“The very first works to the site, took place in 1986, and involved dredging Studley lake, relining the ponds and canals, and repairs to the follies (historic buildings) of the water garden,” added the spokesman.

“The Banqueting House and Fountains Abbey Mill also underwent large-scale restoration works in the 1990s.

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“There are more plans to restore the historic landscape and the newly launched World Heritage Site Management Plan sets out an action plan for the continuation of conservation for years to come.”

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey