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

Crossing

Rievaulx Abbey

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 22, 2025

1. Crossing Marker

Inscription. The church served two separate communities. The Latin-literate choir monks, who sang eight daily services, used the eastern part. The largely illiterate lay brothers, who had much simpler services and served God with their labour, used the western section.

The church was begun in the 1140s but was later altered and extended. You can see both phases of building from where you are standing.

The mid 12th-century church was plain and austere. The round-headed arches, windows and doorways date from this period. The later phase dates to about 1220. The arches and windows have pointed heads. The architecture is very grand and imposing but the use of sculpted ornament was restrained. (Marker Number 4.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1140.

Location. 54° 15.459′ N, 1° 6.961′ 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 5LB,

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United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker 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: East End of the Church (a few steps from this marker); A Spiritual Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Chapter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cloister (within shouting distance of this marker); Reuse and Recycle (within shouting distance of this marker); Refectory (within shouting distance of this marker); Infirmary (within shouting distance of this marker); Landscape and Estates (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rievaulx.

The Crossing image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 22, 2025

2. The Crossing

Monks processing to night service image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 22, 2025

3. Monks processing to night service

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 63 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.