Can't get enough of Fountains Abbey

While at Fountains Abbey we learned that the Abbey's roofs were all taken off during the 1500s, when the King Henry VIII left the Catholic Church, and formed the Church of England. He didn't want the monks to be able to return to any the abbeys. A sad tale, as the buildings are so beautiful. Now, with beautiful gardens, Fountains Abbey is a huge tourist attraction. There is a brief historical interpretation of the Abbey online, but it doesn't do the true history of the Abbey justice. There is a great review of the Abbey's history at the site.

Last night we watched the movie, "The Other Bollyn Girl," which delves into the life of King Henry VIII. It got us both wondering the truth of it all. Regardless, we were not impressed with the King's management of the throne, based on the movie, and the history of Fountains Abbey.

To view our photos, click on the photo below:

From Fountains Abbey II