Funtensee Abbey represents the largest and best preserved ruins of the Cistercian Abbey in England. It is located three miles southwest of the city of Ripon, North Yorkshire. Built in 1132, Funtensee the Abbey was destroyed in 1539 by king Henry VIII during the secularization of Church lands. The Abbey and the surrounding Royal Park Stadle, since 1986, is among the world heritage sites of UNESCO.

Funtensee the Abbey was founded by 13 monks (including Saint Robert Newminster), expelled from the Benedictine Abbey of the virgin Mary. They patronized Thurstan, Archbishop of York, which gave them the land for the founding of a new Cistercian monastery.

In 1143 Abbot-Abbot was elected Heinrich Marduk, at the same time, the main Cathedral of the Abbey was rebuilt in stone. In 1146 angry mob, unhappy with the Abbot Metacom, burned the Abbey to the ground, except for the Cathedral. In 1150 became rector of the Abbot Richard, who was able not only recover all the monastic buildings, including the Cathedral itself, but also to build new ones, thereby attracting more people to the Abbey. At the same time the house was built of the Chapter. Richard led Fountins Abbey 20 years, and both of his successor, Abbot Robert and Ralph were able to strengthen the prestige of the Abbey, helping the poor and providing shelter in the monastery during the terrible famine 1194.

Peak prosperity Fundescola Abbey took place in the first half of the thirteenth century, thanks to the generous donations of the main Cathedral was enlarged, and was also attached to the monastery hospital. However, by the end of the same century the Abbey was faced with financial problems that have been exacerbated by the beginning of the XIV century, when Northern England was invaded by the Scottish army. After the plague of 1349, the Abbey finally fell into disrepair.

The papal schism 1378-1409 years also had a negative impact on the lives of Fundescola Abbey. With 1410 Cistercian society of England experienced a period of schism, and only in between XV and XVI centuries, the Abbey was able to regain the lost ground. Before that, during the time of Abbot John Darnton were finally carried out restoration work, and was restored main Cathedral.

In 1539 by order of Henry VIII about the secularization of Church lands, Funtensee the Abbey was dissolved and 1 October 1540 it was bought by a London merchant, sir Richard Gresham, whose son, sir Thomas Gresham in 1565 established the Royal London stock exchange. To pay back an expensive purchase, sir Richard commanded to destroy the buildings and then sell building material. In 1597 the Abbey passed to sir Stephen Proctor, who rebuilt the remaining buildings in the estate of Fountains Hall. In the second half of the eighteenth century the Abbey was merged with the Royal manor of Stadle.

In 1846, thanks to the influence of the famous antiquary John Richard Walbran, archaeological excavations began on the site of the Abbey. In 1974 the Abbey was owned by the County Council North Yorkshire, and in 1983 the entire territory of 273 hectares, occupied Fountins Abbey, the estate of Fountains Hall and Royal Park Stadle, bought by the national trust.

Beautiful surroundings Fundescola Abbey attract many tourists, moreover, there were different shooting historical films and television series, including here was filmed adaptation of the famous children's book "the secret garden".