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.
Rufford Abbey Country Park 2019
Sources for Rufford Abbey
Parkwood Outdoors
for more information, opening times, parking, charges and more.
Opening Times; Currently
10.00am-4.00pm with some restrictions and precautions, check the
Parkwood Outdoors website for a full list of guidelines in place.