Find the nearest History & Heritage in North Yorkshire

Easby Abbey is an abandoned abbey on the banks of the River Swale near Richmond in North Yorkshire. Founded in 1152 by Roald, Constable of Richmond Castle, the Abbey of St Agatha, as it is also called, had canons rather than monks as inhabitants. They wore white habits and were known as the White Canons. Easby Abbey fell into ruin in the 16th century following Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, the abbey is maintained by English Heritiage and visitors can still see the lavish roof-height refectory.

Rievaulx Abbey, in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Rievaulx Abbey was founded by St Bernard of Clairvaux in 1132 and became one of England’s wealthiest monasteries before its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1538. Includes interactive museum, cafe and walking and cycling trails.

Fairfax House is a Georgian town house situated in the city of York in North Yorkshire. A fine example of the architecture of the age, Fairfax House dates back to the 18th century. It was built as the winter home for Viscount Fairfax and its interior was designed by the then celebrated architect, John Carr. During the 20th century, Fairfax House was used as a cinema and a dance hall. But in the early 1980s the York Civic Trust saved it from falling into decay and has returned it to its former splendour. Visitors today can see how polite York society in the Georgian era entertained. There is a fine collection of furniture, paintings and ornaments which bring the house to life. Fairfax House is open daily from February to December. There is a gift shop on site.

Ruin of a 14th-century Carthusian priory. More details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Richmond Castle is a ruined castle with breathtaking views overlooking the River Swale at Richmond in North Yorkshire. With construction on the castle starting in 1071, there is a reference to it in the Domesday Book. It is now one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain and a popular North Yorkshire attraction. Today, the castle is maintained by English Heritage. There is a gift shop, picnic area and interactive exhibition on the castle’s history on site.

York Theatre Royal is a theatre in York, North Yorkshire, that dates back to 1744.

York Guildhall is a medieval building in York, North Yorkshire, which served as a meeting place for the guilds of York. Built originally during the 15th century, the Guildhall suffered damage during an air raid in 1942, so the present building is a reconstruction. The stone walls escaped destruction and they were incorporated into the newly reconstructed hall.

Gisborough Priory, ruins of an Augustinian priory dominated by the dramatic skeleton of the 14th-century church’s east end.

The Mansion House in York, North Yorkshire, is where the Lord Mayors of York reside during their term in office. The Georgian building started construction in 1725 and was completed in 1732. Restored in 1988, the Mansion House is also home to an exhibition of silver, antiques and paintings. Guided tours of the Mansion House are available.

Of the four main medieval gateways in York in North Yorkshire, Walmgate Bar is the most complete. It still retains its barbican, its portcullis and inner doors. With the oldest part of the structure dating back to the 12th century, other parts of the bar are from construction during 14th to 16th centuries. During its history, it has been burned by rebels in 1489 and battered by cannon during the siege of 1644.

The village was abandoned after years of decay in the early 16th century when the lord of the manor turned out the last few families and knocked down their homes to make room for extra sheep pasturage.