Roche Abbey
Maltby, Yorkshire
Beautifully set in a valley landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, the most striking feature of this Cistercian abbey is the eastern end of its church, built in the new Gothic style c1170.
The church is close to a natural spring. Water is important in Christian worship and perhaps early Christians were baptised in Maltby Beck, a stream at the bottom of the churchyard.
There is evidence that Maltby was a Saxon settlement, and it is thought that there has been a church on this site since Saxon times. The tower is undoubtedly the oldest part of the church. It dates from the 'overlap' period between late Saxon and early Norman architecture (10th - 11th century).
The body of the 'overlap' church was rebuilt in the 15th century, in the 'perpendicular' style of architecture. In 1859, the nave, chancel and south aisle of the 'perpendicular' church were pulled down. Only the tower and spire survived. The new church consists of a nave with north and south aisles, chancel with adjacent north and south chapels, and south porch.
There is much to see in the church and interesting churchyard, including some wonderful carved wood and beautiful stained glass.