The Norman’s began building Selby Abbey shortly after the Conquest of 1066 and during its early history it was not simply a public place of worship but also a residential complex where the monastic orders would cook, eat, brew, farm, work and sleep.
Henry I, son of William the Conqueror and Queen Mathilde is said to have been born at the Abbey in 1068, while his father was quashing a Saxon revolt in Yorkshire. One of the Abbey’s best-known features is the 14th century Washington widow, which features the stars and stripes on which the American flag is based.
At the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries many of the Abbey’s buildings and lands were seized by the crown but local people continued to worship at the church, which deftly changed status to Parish Church, thereby avoiding the ruinous fate of Fountains and Rievaulx.
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Liverpool was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008. The vibrant city is renowned for its arts & culture and is home to numerous museums & galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. Read more ...
