St Mary’s, Studley Royal

St Mary's church at Studley Royal

St Mary’s, Studley Royal

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  National Trust 

What is it –  Church, Free access, World Heritage Site 

When is it from – Victorian

St Mary’s, Studley Royal, stands in glorious isolation surrounded by parkland, within walking distance of Fountains Abbey. It is a highly decorated over the top High Victorian Gothic Revival church, commissioned by the Marquess and Marchioness of Ripon, designed by William Burges and consecrated in 1878. There is a tragic tale behind it – twenty three year old Frederick Vyner, brother of the Marchioness of Ripon, was one of a party of four tourists captured by bandits in Greece in 1870 and killed during an attempted rescue mounted by Greek soldiers. Part of the cost of building the church was met from money that had been set aside for his ransom, but which was never paid. Not to be missed if you’re visiting Fountains Abbey and/or Studley Royal. It is owned by English Heritage and managed by the National Trust.

 


Address

Chair Walk, Studley Royal, Nr Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 43DY 

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