Rievaulx in North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Down the Drain

Rievaulx Abbey

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 22, 2025

1. Down the Drain Marker

Inscription. Most drainage through the abbey was channelled to the Great Drain, directly in front of you. Water was held back by a sluice gate that, when released, flushed all waste into the River Rye downstream. It is a tribute to the technological knowhow of the monks that water still flows through the Great Drain.

Modern farming techniques such as surface drains can affect water quality by washing chemicals and soil into the rivers. Scientists can assess the health of the whole landscape by monitoring the amount of nutrients and insects in the water, and measuring sediment levels in the riverbed. This enables them to tackle issues before they impact the river and its wildlife.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 54° 15.399′ N, 1° 7.088′ W. Marker is in Rievaulx, England, in North Yorkshire. It can be reached from Rievaulx Bank. On the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, England YO62 5LE, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in England’s Yorkshire & The Humber.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rievaulx Abbey (a few steps from this marker); Infirmary (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Landscape and Estates (about 90 meters away); Reuse and Recycle (about 120 meters away); Chapter House (about 120 meters away); Refectory (about 120 meters away); East End of the Church (about 150 meters away); A Spiritual Place (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rievaulx.

Rievaulx Abbey Drainage image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 22, 2025

2. Rievaulx Abbey Drainage

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?