North Yorkshire─Selby Abbey

‘Selby’s is that of a stately old lady, retired to the country with her dignity and memories intact.’ Selby is a small town in Northern Yorkshire, England. It is subordinate to only Beverly Minister and York Minister and has served the community almost 1000 years.

Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest, Selby Abbey was one of the richest monastic Church by mid-16th century in Selby. Norman and Early Gothic architecture styles can be found in Selby’s nave with the alternating piers intentionally copied from Durham Cathedral.

In 1531, since the pope refused Henry VIII to divorce his first wife Kathrine, not only did the King break away from the Roman Catholic Church to establish the Church in England, he also decided to shut down the monasteries and sell the Abbey. Since Robert the last abbot was in favour of the King’s divorce, he secured £100 (which is equivalent to £70,000 in today’s money) a year for himself.

The Church has gone through the bright and darkness since the Dissolutions of the Monasteries in the 1530s and the burn down in 1906. A massive restoration and reconstruction then took place including inside and out stone cleaning. It is a sacred place where you could find peace and its unique aesthetic. Some 14th century delicate carved examples can be found around the choir and the stained glass of the east window features the Last Judgement and Tree of Jesse.

It is open on Mondays to Sundays from 10am-4pm with free entrance. Staff and volunteers are all super friendly and will warmly welcome your visit. A souvenir shop and café can be found on the west side where you can get some nice souvenirs and enjoy your refreshments at the Church.