The extensive remains of Fountains Abbey are the largest monastic ruins in Britain. The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 by a group of expelled Benedictine monks, taking its name from nearby water springs.

As with many medieval monasteries, it grew rich from the proceeds of sheep farming, wool production and rental income from its vast estate. It survived a significant downturn in fortunes during the 14th century through a combination of failed harvests, raids from Scotland, and the devastating effects of the Black Death. However, it recovered to become the richest Cistercian monastery in England.

And like all monasteries in England and Wales, its wealth and power was swept up in 1539 by Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries.