Monday 30 July 2012

The Terrace at Rievaulx









Yesterday, in a day of sunshine and heavy showers, the farmer and I had a day out (and Tess too).
We are members of the National Trust so thought we would go to the Terrace at Rievaulx. I put a blog on about the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey at Rievaulx some time ago - they are spectacular.
But above them is a beautiful terrace which actually has little connection with the abbey.

In the mid eighteenth century Thomas Duncombe 11, who lived in nearby Duncombe Park, had the idea of building this terrace because he realised it would have beautiful views, not only of the abbey directly below but also far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside on the edge of the North York Moors.

He placed a temple at either end to add to the beauty of the whole. Now visitors can walk through woodland to the far end of the terrace and then back along the terrace itself.

Now it belongs to the National Trust and so is open to all. At present there is an exhibition of work and I can't for the life of me remember the name of the sculptor. But I am putting on the beautiful animals and when I remember her name I shall add it. Most of the sculptures were made of twisted willow but there is also a splendid horse made of galvanised wire. Regular readers of my blog will know of my love of hares - well as you will see there were plenty to choose from here.

13 comments:

Elizabeth said...

What a lovely outing.
Yes, the sculptures are really attractive.

angryparsnip said...

The grounds are so beautiful.
I have always wanted to visit a place like this where there is a temple or folly (?) is placed to add to the beauty.
The view with the Abbey and countryside is wonderful.
Love the sculptors and I too have a soft spot for the hare.

cheers, parsnip

Bovey Belle said...

That's really lovely - sculptures and the view. I particularly liked the horse of course!

The Solitary Walker said...

Aha, more blogchronicity! As you pointed out in your comment, Pat, my post today features the same horse sculptress!

Heather said...

What a lovely walk that must be even without the stunnning sculptures. The hares are my favourites too though the horse is also beautiful.
Your last two photos remind me of the Sculpture Trail in the Forest of Dean. One artist made a small herd of deer from wire which has rusted to their natural colour. They appear to run into and swim across a large pond, and climb out the other side.

Gerry Snape said...

Oh I was so excited to see the hares...will try and remember this next time the potter says...lets have a day out!!

Dartford Warbler said...

The sculptures are amazing, especially the horse.

I remember several visits to Riveaux and one lovely summer afternoon, years ago now, when we sat in the sun for ages, up on the Terrace with a view of the Abbey down in the valley.

Robin Mac said...

Wonderful post, bringing back so many memories of our visits there. Love the sculptures too. Cheers

Dominic Rivron said...

Good isn't it? Did you get into the temple to see the cieling? It's worth checking out when they open it.

MorningAJ said...

I'd love one of those hares in my garden. But I expect they're expensive.

Tom Stephenson said...

What a great place to visit, but I have to say I could do without the woven sculptures everywhere.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Interesting Tom that you prefer the Terrace without the sculptures. I am not sure whether I would or not, but they were certainly interesting. As to the prices AJ - I think the cheapest thing was about £600 - but there is an amazing amount of work in each one.
Thanks for sharing with me.

Everything Changes said...

Love it!