As the pupils piled onto the coach we knew this would be an exciting but chilly trip. The wind whipped around us and the rain trickled down the windscreen. However, S. Anselm's historians are made of tough stuff and they all knew that the conditions would just aid our understanding of the harsh living conditions monks in North Yorkshire had to endure nearly a thousand years ago.
There was not an IPod, PSP or TV to be seen - Mr Mace had unplugged the boys and girls for a day and it paid off! This was to be a 4 hour round trip but the pupils played cards, drew, played hangman and word games, read and wrote stories.
Oh yes and some just dozed!
Fountains Abbey was established by a break away group of Benedictine monks from York who had decided to leave the abbey at York to found their own monastery along Cistercian lines. They could not have picked a more remote yet beautiful spot. Bit by bit they toiled to ensure that the abbey lasted and eventually the handful of just 13 monks had grown to several hundred and Fountains became one of the most highly respected and largest Cistercian abbeys in Europe.
Having doned their habits, the kids had a fascinating tour of the site and were able to explore and disover on their own too. I think the lavatorium drew the most attention! They were told about the punishments endured and the hours of prayer sustained and I don't think one pupil said they would have taken to monastic living! Nevertheless, this was a hugely informative and enjoyable trip and my thanks go to Dan Eaton, Clare and Holly who helped to ensure it ran smoothly. Most importantly, thanks to the pupils who were a delight and great ambassadors for the school.
Posted on
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
by RDM