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The legacy of Yorkshire Monasticism.

Christians Aware Summer School

at Parcevall Hall, Yorkshire Dales.

July 18 - 22, 2022

The legacy of the Yorkshire monasteries is rich and continuing for the whole of

the UK and beyond. For instance - the Cistercians of Rievaulx and Byland

abbeys became famous as sheep farmers and sheep farming continues to flourish

in Yorkshire and all over the UK.

A current debate is whether sheep farming is of benefit or whether it would be

better to abandon sheep and plant trees. Farming today will be a central part of

our discussions at the summer school and there will be a visit to a farm in

Middlesmoor - a beautiful place above Pately Bridge.

One of the early Yorkshire monasteries grew at Whitby, where Abbess Hilda

presided from 657 - 680 CE. Hilda made Whitby famous for its learning and

one of the legacies of early monasticism we will explore will be education. We

are delighted that Gervase Phinn has agreed to join us and to give a presentation

- ‘Education - the Greatest Gift.’

Our summer school will be set in a beautiful place at Parcevall Hall, where

visitors come specially to see the fantastic gardens. The hall is surrounded by

the limestone countryside of the Dales where we can walk or enjoy the scenery

as we drive out on the visits. We have chosen to visit Bolton Abbey on the

River Wharfe, the place from which the Augustinian canons went out to minister

to the people in the surrounding villages. Rural ministry will be on our agenda.

The full programme for the summer school and also the application form can be

accessed here. Participants are welcome for the full week or for part of it.

Meanwhile we look forward to Holy Week and Easter

-times for reflection and hope