Around Bolton Abbey

Here are a few more (marginally less touristy) shots that I took on my recent walk at Bolton Abbey. This is the first view you get of the Abbey when approaching on the east riverbank. The posts you can see in the middle distance are for children to weave in and out of. This path is a 'Welly Walk' with all sorts of slides and climbs and hops for little ones to enjoy. I have to admit to testing out my balance on a serpentine length of tree stump 'stepping stones'. I didn't fall off! 

Despite that, I decided to give the actual stepping stones across the river a miss! The bridge is safer. 

The Hall at Bolton Abbey (below) is the private residence of the Devonshire family when/if they venture up here from their primary homes at Chatsworth and in London. When they're not here, it can be rented in its entirety (see HERE).  Built as a gatehouse to the Priory c1325, it was converted to a shooting lodge after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 and has subsequently been altered and enlarged. Many famous guests have stayed here, including our late Queen Elizabeth II in 2005. 

The Old Rectory (above), which stands in front of the ruined priory and St Mary's church, was originally the abbey's infirmary, later a school, then a rectory (presumably for the vicar of St Mary's) and now, I believe, a private house. The chimney (below) is what remains of the abbey's original guest house, and dates to the 15th century. 

The Cavendish Memorial Fountain was erected in 1886 in memory of Lord Frederick Cavendish, second son of the 7th Duke of Devonshire, who was murdered in Phoenix Park, Dublin by Irish National Invincibles in 1882, shortly after his appointment as Chief Secretary for Ireland.