Kirkstall Abbey Market

It's a long time since we've visited a market at Kirkstall Abbey but as Mick's cricket match had been cancelled the week before last, it gave us the chance to rectify that. It was sunny and warm too, which was a bonus.

Set in the beautiful surroundings, local suppliers, makers and creatives sell their wares. The markets are held here on the last weekend of the month.

There's all manner of stalls, food and drink, cheeses, baked goods, jewellery, toys, button badges, and crafts, among others. We came away with some delicious brownies as well as some chutney and loose tea which will go in a hamper we're planning to make as a gift at Christmas.

After looking round the market, we had a wander around the ruins. Founded in 1152 by Cistercian monks, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most complete examples of a Cistercian abbey in Britain.

It gained its wealth from keeping sheep for the wool trade.

It was disestablished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII.

The Abbey is set in beautiful parkland along the banks of the River Aire.

The church still stands to roof level.

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries the main thoroughfare to Leeds actually ran through the nave of the church. It was diverted following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 to stop the monks from returning.

It was quite busy with the market in full swing and the weather so good, but it was still so peaceful.

The abbey is a Grade I listed building. It was acquired by the Leeds Corporation as a gift from Colonel North, an English investor and businessman, and opened to the public in the late nineteenth century.

It was a lovely couple of hours visiting the market and then taking a stroll around the grounds. It's definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the area.