Here we are at Forde Abbey on a dull and rainy day
Once described as the most perfect monastry in England.
Built almost 900 years ago by Cistercian monks, the abbey still embodies the serenity and phylosophy of the order who, lived, prayed and farmed here.
From 1141 to 2011, Forde Abbey is a stunning example of history preserved but not petrified, where the Kennard family continues to live and work in an informal style and where visitors receive a warm welcome.
One of my reasons for coming here was to see England's tallest fountain
We begin by walking through the kitchen gardens
before entering the main gardens
I had hoped that the sky would be blue as one does not get a full sense of the height of this fountain against the rainy sky. It helps a little to see how it compares with the hight of the abbey in the background
Maybe we can go in here and shelter from the rain for a while
Yes it's dry and we can look out onto another lake
Entrance to the family's private garden
Lunch in the abbey crypt
and with my dental surgery problem I am unable to order
their own pheasant in a delicious sounding sauce
accompanied by fresh vegetables from the kitchen garden
It was soup for me - Aaaaaaah!
And just in case you are wondering, during the week these places are mostly populated by senior citizens as most others are at work!
After lunch we visit the abbey's Bog garden, the best I have seen but in the next post
15 comments:
What a lovely abbey! You just keep showing me new places I want to visit!
A lovely monastery. That fountain is impressive as are the gardens. Your dry little hideaway was charming and must have been fun.
And how are you feeling this many weeks past dental surgery? Much better I hope!
How comforting to know that the work of many generations is being honoured and taking so well care of! The gardens are incredibly beautiful, the fountain amazing. I love the white Japanese dogwood!
What a fascinating place to visit. I can see why you wanted to see the fountain, it is amazing.
I know for certain, someday we will plan a trip to the UK, and I will consult with you for the "must-see", "Must-do" part of the trip!! Susan
Such beauty. Blessings.
Thanks for your interesting pictures and historical sketches of England. It may well be that I will never get to visit England but I've always been fascinated by anything English. Probably my love of books kindled my interest in England and the Queen was much in the limelight back in my schooldays. Now, more recently Prince William and Kate have charmed Canadians! Mary Horst
Thank you...so enjoyable..and your photography put me right there with you!!!
The fountain reminds me of the Jet d'Eau in Geneva Switzerland. It is 459 ft. 132 gallons of water per second are jetted to the height. I have seen this to my amazement also.
Looking forward to the next post..
HOPE
What a beautiful place. The Cistercians emerged as a response to increasing worldliness in other monasteries. They marked a return to the Rule of St. Benedict and to a more humble religion. Their architecture is very pure - as can be seen from your photos. The fountain is beautiful, reaching high into the sky. Does it date from very far back?
I noticed the beautiful dogwood blossoms. They look exactly like the ones we have here. Beautiful and creamy.
I hope your dental surgery heals soon and you can enjoy "real" food once again.
That looks so nice. That fountaih is amazing.
The Abbey, the flowers, the fountain - all so beautiful.
I am sorry to read that you continue to have problems with your dental work. That pheasant sounded really good!
The kitchen garden looks amazing! The fountain is incredible too. Even with the gloomy weather it look like a wonderful place to visit.
The place could be newly built!!! It is so well preserved. I love the arched windows with the little panes! I also love the dogwood. I want one for my garden. I'll have to see if I can find some seeds. There is a tree in a town near me... I love to start stuff from seeds.
Thanks again for a lovely tour. Seniors get to go because they've done the work in their youth and now reap the rewards. Sorry your dental surgery is still a bother. Hope it is remedied soon.
Hugs,
I really enjoyed this post!
Although the current family member running the Abbey is married to a Kennard, she was born a Roper. The fountain was built to commemorate 100 years of Roper family ownership of the Abbey.
My grandparents lived nearby and were friends of old Mr Roper (grandfather of Mrs Kennard) and his family so I occasionally accompanied them to private functions at the Abbey.
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