Within the stunning eighteenth-century park of Studley Royal in Yorkshire, lie the ruinous remains of Fountains Abbey – one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in Europe. Drawing on contemporary historical evidence, the results of excavations, and his English Heritage conservation work from the past 30 years, Glyn Coppack outlines the history of this fascinating site from its use as an early mission centre in 1132 through its subsequent growth over the centuries.

Glyn Coppack works for English Heritage and is one of Britain’s foremost monastic scholars. He lives in north Lincolnshire.