Faith Among The Ruins: How Chaplaincy Lives On at Fountains Abbey In Northern England
LONDON — Finding chaplains on-site at a National Trust heritage property is not something visitors usually expect. But at Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, in Northern England, it has become a regular occurrence.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII marked the end of Fountains Abbey as a Cistercian monastery. Over the centuries, various landowners held the site until the National Trust acquired it in 1983. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful sites in the U.K., drawing thousands of visitors to explore its dramatic ruins and the adjoining Georgian water garden.
Dr. John Ridley began volunteering at the site in 2016 and later joined the chaplaincy team as a representative of the Methodist Church. The team is ecumenical, made up of both lay and ordained members from the Church of England, the Catholic Church, Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church.
This religious presence has deep roots. Ridley said it predates the National Trust’s ownership. St. Mary’s Church, for instance, once served as a parish church.
“I am not aware of any other chaplaincy team within the National Trust,” he said. “We work within the Trust’s framework and follow the same guidelines.”
He added that he sees his chaplaincy work as closely linked to his role as a volunteer guide.
“Fountains Abbey and Studley Park is a World Heritage,” Ridley added. “It is not uncommon to meet coach parties from Europe, the Far East and the USA. The role of chaplaincy team is simply to support our many visitors and staff, and maintain a Christian presence.”
The original monks were drawn to the site for its peace, tranquility and spirituality. These same qualities continue to attract visitors today — along with its rich history and striking architecture.
“Many visitors have an emotional connection with Fountains Abbey, and for them, returning is rather like a pilgrimage,” Ridley said. “Some visitors are curious, asking questions about my role, and often talk of their own church connections. (For) others, who are feeling tired and exhausted, simply arranging a lift on the minibus is an act of Christian kindness.”
Ridley added that he “may never know how I have supported our visitors. However, if they felt welcomed and had the opportunity to chat, then I’m sure it has been helpful.”
“Some eye contact, a smile and a general comment such as ‘how’s your visit going’ usually gets someone talking,” he said. “I avoid pestering people, and it is usually obvious if visitors wish to follow up on a conversation. I am an abbey guide and, in my chaplain’s role, often talk about the history of the abbey and the life of the monks. Medieval history can be a reflective topic and prompt discussions about belief — the abbey was, after all, a powerhouse of prayer for 400 years. Discussions inevitably focus on the monastic cycle of daily prayer and the rule of St Benedict, when services were in Latin and where the prayers of the monks were considered to be the purist.”
Ridley said chaplains are “part of a long tradition of hospitality.”
“Here, the team works very much along the lines of the Cistercians who occupied the abbey until its dissolution in 1539, and traditionally welcomed travelers,” he said. “St. Benedict and his followers made a special effort to look after visitors and always looked for Christ in them. There is a sense that we carry on their legacy.”
Worship services are held here throughout the year, typically in the abbey’s cellarium. This structure, located on one side of the main abbey building, is a covered area that once served as the abbey’s food store.
“Mass is celebrated each summer for either St. Benedict or St. Bernard and is organized by the Roman Catholic chaplain,” Ridley said, adding the service is “well attended, with music provided by a school choir and orchestra.”
Furthermore, the Good Friday service was organized and led by an ordained Church of England chaplain, supported by a United Reformed Church clergyman and lay members. In the run-up to Christmas, there are two “Carols by Candlelight” services, also organized by the chaplaincy team with music provided by a local brass band and the readings are shared between chaplains and National Trust volunteers and staff.
The chaplaincy team meets twice a year to plan events and review their work.
These services are popular, drawing people from across the region. Though now a ruin and a tourist attraction, Fountains Abbey is clearly continuing —quietly and meaningfully — its original purpose of serving God.
“Mass on saints days is attended by Roman Catholics who travel from across the diocese by coach, often bringing picnics and staying for the day,” Ridley said. “All services are offered to members and those who wish to come for the day. For many families, ‘Carols by Candlelight’ … marks the beginning of their Christmas season, and there are many regular visitors who come each year.”
Angela Youngman is a freelance journalist who has written for a wide range of British and international publications.