Rufford Abbey in Nottinghamshire looks very inviting on a warm Summer’s day. Nestled on the edge of Sherwood Forest, in Robin Hood territory, the abbey dates back to 12th July, 1147. Founded by Gilbert de Gant, it was populated with Cistercian monks from Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire, a place that I know well. They were known as ‘white monks’ because their habits were made from undyed wool, and they lived an austere life of prayer and hard work.
When my daughter suggested that I would love these abbey ruins, now part of a large country estate, I was more than happy to accompany her. She always makes excellent company. Why don’t you come with us?
Did any of you ever hear of a heliochronometer? That’s what Lisa was studying in the rose garden. According to a complicated explanation in Wikipedia, it is a precision sundial first devised by Philip Hahn around 1763. We struggled to set it, rather unsuccesfully.
Only the west wing of the abbey remains. The rest was demolished in the 1670s, following the Abolition of the Monasteries. The pink-tinged stone has a delicacy I love. A country house replaced the abbey, alleged to be haunted, most appropriately by a skull-bearing monk.
The formal gardens have a lovely hint of playfulness, entrancing to children large and small. Had it not been so hot we could have navigated the fortune maze for much longer. Spinning the wheel to choose our destiny. The metal gates and sculptures were intricate and beautiful.
Shade was a valuable commodity, with Lisa fluttering her fan and wishing she’d brought the delightfully dilapidated parasol I’d managed to poke another hole in the previous day. Accidentally, of course.
The Oil Patch Warrior, a sculpture by Jay O’Meilia, a Navy artist in World War II, commemorates American oil workers who drilled over 3 million barrels of oil in the heart of Nottinghamshire, between 1943 and 1945. He is one of many varied and interesting pieces throughout the grounds.
Hidden in the depths of leafy shade we find an immense ice house. Sadly, the ice is long departed. Hoping to catch a breeze over by the lake, or maybe even an icecream, we saunter down through the trees.
There’s a small cafe, but it’s melting hot inside, so we opt for that icecream- tangy lemon for Lisa, pistachio and almond for me. Lovely! The path winds on around the lake and we follow it back to the start.
Time to twirl that imaginary parasol homewards. All good things come to an end, and it was beautiful while it lasted. I hope you enjoyed it too. Rufford Abbey is now managed by English Heritage, and full details of how to get there are on their website.
That’s my couple of days in Nottingham accounted for. Thank you for your company, and for the many and varied walks I’ve received this week. Join me any time. You’ll be most welcome. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Time to put the kettle on now and settle in for a good read.
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I was delighted to be introduced last week to Theresa, by Becky. Another birder, of course!
For a glimpse of breathtaking beauty, you often can’t beat Drake :
One I missed from last week! Please have a catch up with Denzil :
A beer by the Spree and/or a bit of wall? Nice choice from Debbie :
A look at a place Jackie knows well- street art and stairs! :
A bit of sadness with Woolly :
But Geoff stays determinedly cheerful :
Cake not Hate – a walk and some thoughts
Meg gently meanders, looking in crevices, twice!
While Jude is mildly disenchanted with walking in Truro. Can anyone help?
Truro – the UK’s most southerly city
Lady Lee offers a superb look at another of those places I’ve always wanted to visit :
A good friend has been to the falls at Plitvice and Krka. They look magnificent! Here’s proof positive from Paula :
Do you know Ting? She’d love to escort you around these beautiful gardens :
Exploring RHS Gardens, Wisley in Surrey
Becky just knew I’d love this post! Distinctive boats, canals, sunshine… can’t go wrong!
Exploring the many canals of Aveiro
While Carol takes me somewhere very familiar indeed. I do like a Shambles!
You might need a bit of stamina for this long walk, with Eunice :
I am enamoured with Savannah. Take a look at Cady Luck’s post and you will be too!
Jo’s Monday Walk : Savannah, Georgia
Sssh, but the sun still seems to be shining a little bit up here, and I’m off out for a walk. Catch you all soon. Have a great week!
restlessjo 
The fortune maze is reminiscent of those seen on the reality show Survivor. Looks like it would have been a prize worth searching for if a shaded gazebo staffed by handsome waiters eager to provide cooling Mojito’s or lemonade were in the center…
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Mojitos or caipirinha sound good to me, Gabe. Maybe a little early in the day. I might forget to move on. 🙂 🙂
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What a fascinating walk, and how lovely to share it with Lisa! Fascinating sculptures, with so much variety, but I really love the ruins.To see the old building remains juxtaposed against the garden is a lovely walk, Jo. Sorry about the heat…I know how draining that can be!
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I didn’t think we were going to make it to the abbey, Debbie, because we had such a busy and enjoyable weekend, but we managed to squeeze it in on the Monday morning, before I went home. The highlight of my weekend! Back to rain again now 🙂 🙂
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Rufford Abbey looks a delightful spot Jo especially on such a gorgeous day! I can imagine it would have felt very hot though – it’s a funny thing but the UK heat seems far more oppressive to me than here! The ice creams sound the way to go. I love the pink tinged stone of the abbey remains – such a pretty colour! Hope the sun is continuing to shine for you! 🙂
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Back to rain, Rosemay, but it was glorious while it lasted. Lisa said I would love the abbey ruins and did her very best to fit it in before I went home. We had a lovely last few hours together. 🙂 🙂
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Excellent photos of the abbey and your daughter, Jo !!
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Thanks Hanna! It’s a joy for me to have her company x
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What a beautiful stroll with you and the lovely Lisa today, Jo. I love these photos and was hoping you’d sneak a shot of that skull-bearing monk. Maybe next time 🙂 xxx
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That sinister chap in the maze scared me away, Dianne. 😦 Thanks so much, darlin! Hope things are good with you?
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This is a truly awesome place for a walk! Loved your pictures, Jo!
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I was homeward bound that day and it was a lovely way to finish. Thanks, Agness 🙂 🙂
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And again I feel homesick for England, dear Jo. Thank you so much for these stunning pictures
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It can be very beautiful indeed, Achim, but it’s poured all day today so you’re not missing too much. 🙂 🙂
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Another great walk, and it was great seeing Lovely Lisa in the images. I remember that the days get longer ‘up there’ while ours stay the same, but I forget about the sometimes-stifling heat.
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Heat’s gone, Lisa! Back to proper English weather 😦 😦 Got to love it cos we’re stuck with it 🙂 🙂
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What a beautiful little getaway and activity to do with your daughter. I love it that they kept the facade/walls of some of the abbey. I hope your weather has been a bit less steamy since.
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Back to rain, Liesbet. It’s always a case of ‘careful what you wish for’. 🙂 🙂 Wonderful while it lasted though.
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A beautiful location and environs. And steeped in history as well. Thank you very much for this wonderful tour, Jo.
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I enjoyed it so much, Draco. My companion made it very special for me. 🙂 🙂
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What a fantastic place to visit, with lots to see. I do like all those sculptures. It looks like you had a glorious day and I would have enjoyed the warm temperature.
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We did have a lovely last few hours together, Carol, thanks xx
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What a lovely place. The big silver heliochronometer looks almost out of place in amongst all that lush green.
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I had no idea the abbey ruins were there, Desleyjane, and the grounds were simply beautiful. 🙂 🙂
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Rufford was somewhere we often visited when we lived in Mansfield. I’m talking way back in the early 80s, so although the abbey’s not changed, some of the surroundings have. No creepy monks in mazes then!
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It was surprisingly popular for a Monday morning, Anabel. (yes, I actually did this one on a Monday 🙂 ) The grounds are beautifully kept and I thought it was a great free family resource. (free apart from £3 parking).
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Looks like a lovely time Jo! Glad you got to enjoy it with your daughter! 🙂
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Thanks, Nicole. Those were our last couple of hours. 🙂
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Love how you manage to find the best treats both for exploring and eating. Your daughter’s recommendation is a stunner.
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Lisa was there last Autumn and said straight away that she knew I’d love it. She wasn’t wrong, and having her there made it even more special for me. 🙂 🙂
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part 2 of our Malta trip 🙂
https://ladyleemanilablog.wordpress.com/2017/06/23/our-malta-experience-2/
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Wonderful! Thanks a lot, Lady Lee 🙂 🙂 And for the reblog too. I’m much obliged.
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You’d be a lovely walk leader, no one would mind getting lost if YOU smiled at them. What a gorgeous place this is, all those sculptures. I wouldn’t want to reach the centre of the maze though with that creepy monk waiting. Have a lovely week honey x:-)x
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I did think that monk a bit sinister, Gilly. 😦 If you’d been on our Saturday walk you might have cause to rethink that statement, hon. It was an adventure a bit too far, though I am still here to tell the tale. Next week, maybe 🙂 🙂 No meet up again! I didn’t have time to raise a glass at dinnertime. Enjoy your ever so busy week! Soon be Friday 🙂
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Reblogged this on ladyleemanila and commented:
Jo’s Monday walk 🙂
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