English Heritage

1147-67Aelred and Expansion

Aelred becomes the third abbot. He rebuilds and expands William's monastery for the growing community, adding a monumental new church.

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1167-88Cloister Remodelling

Abbot Silvanus rebuilds the south range of the cloister and remodels Abbot William's west range.

1220sThe Church Extended

The east end of the church is remodelled in spectacular style, probably to house Aelred's shrine. 

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Late 14th CenturyPractical Renovations

Rievaulx's buildings are again remodelled to suit changing patterns of religious life.

1538-9Suppress and Demolition

Rievaulx Abbey is suppressed under Henry VIII and sold to Thomas Manners, 1st Earl of Rutland. The abbey is dismantled.

1545-1640sIronworks

Rutland develops a substantial ironworks at Rievaulx that continues for about a century.

Mid-18th CenturyRomantic Ruin

Under the Duncombe family, Rievaulx becomes a landscape monument that appeals to artists and writers.

1880s-1890sAntiquarian Interest

The Yorkshire Archaeological and Topographical Association visits with expert guides to look into the history of the site.

1917State Guardianship

The Office of Works take the ruins at Rievaulx into guardianship.

1917-1920sConservation

With the presbytery in danger of collapse, immediate repairs begin, despite wartime shortages of labour and materials.

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