Historic Jervaulx Abbey in Yorkshire Dales targeted by vandals

Vandals have targeted a Grade I-listed abbey in the Yorkshire Dales and stolen and smashed stones from its ruins.

Jervaulx Abbey in East Witton is one of the largest privately-owned Cistercian abbeys in England, and was built in around 1156.

Anna Lamb, 36, whose parents bought the site in 1971, said the damage was discovered on Sunday morning and reported to police.

She said stones were drilled into, others were cut and some were removed – leaving the family feeling vulnerable.

Ms Lamb said: “We don’t particularly want to put CCTV everywhere so people feel watched but we also feel like we have to protect ourselves.

“It’s been strange trying to work out exactly what’s happened.

“You can’t get into the headspace of someone who’s prepared to do that.”

The sandstone ruins of the abbey are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means it is a criminal offence to cause damage to the structure.

The family allow the abbey’s natural surroundings to flourish and grow wild.

There is no electricity, internet or CCTV on the site and just an honesty box for donations.

Ms Lamb added: “Going right back to the monks, it was a place for reflection, a place just to be and that’s how we keep it and people love it for that.

“There’s a peace, a tranquillity, it’s like nowhere else. It’s so romantic, it’s a fairytale location. We’re known as a hidden gem.

“If you strip that back, you lose all that history. That’s what sets us apart. It’s a big part of what we believe the abbey should be like.”

The owners have experienced vandalism in the past when the original tiles from their summerhouse were smashed.

“It does make you think, what’s next? How can you protect the abbey going forward?

“As a family we’re not technically forced to open, but we want to share the abbey with people. And why wouldn’t we? It’s part of everybody’s history.”