Byland Abbey

The Cistercians who built the Abbey at Byland in the 12th century were not only monks, but had a large farming and commercial empire. The immensity of their prosperity is indicated by the fact that the nave is the largest of any church in England. The surrounding countryside displays numerous archaeological remains including mill races, bleach ponds, dye works and fish ponds. The name "Grange" indicates a farm owned and worked by the monks. Here at Oldstead Grange we have the largest medieval earth dam in England which created a 30 acre lake across the bottom of our land.