Pencil Drawing of Fountains Abbey by Claude Buckle

A simple pencil sketch by Claude Buckle of Fountains Abbey. No doubt a poster proposal as this ruin was the subject of other posters by different artists (Fred Taylor, George Rushbury). Fountains Abbey is approximately three miles south west of Ripon in North Yorkshire, England near to the village of Aldfield. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for over 400 years, until 1539, when Henry VIII ordered the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England, a UNESCO world heritage site and a major tourist destination. It is run by the National Trust. The sketch shows the main tower looking from the south. Created in 1956.