Rufford Abbey
began life in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery, it was
converted into a country house in the 16th century after the dissolution
of the monasteries. It was first owned by the Earl's of Shrewsbury and
later inherited by the Savile family.Rufford Abbey has a long history, one notable character from it's past was Elizabeth Cavendish (c 1527-1608) know as 'Bess of Hardwick'.
She married the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury George Talbot her 4th and last husband, by which time she became one of the most wealthy and powerful women of her time. She was famous for building grand houses, most notable are Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall both in Derbyshire.
The old country house fell into neglect and was largely demolished between 1956/58.
The
Stable Block originally built in 1660 escaped the demolition and is home
to Craft and Gift shops.Through the second arch is the Coach House Cafe serving light refreshments.
The Abbey stands in 150 acres of park and woodland with a lake used for boating at weekends and school holidays from April to the end of September.
Original
abbey undercroft, the Cistercian order of Monks came here in 1147 up
until the
dissolution of the monasteries ordered by Henry VIII in 1536.