Built in 1132 in a large broad valley adjacent to the river Rye, Rievaulx Abbey was  the first Cistercian Abbey in the North of England and was the centre for White Monks to reform and colonise the North of England and Scotland. By the thirteenth century Rievaulx had founded another nineteen abbeys. In its day the abbey was reknown for its sheep farming and the export of wool. The abbey fell into ruin after the Dissolution in 1538.  Today the Abbey is looked after by English Heritage and is a most interesting place to visit. The site has a excellent museum, visitors centre, shop and cafe.