4th February 2013 - Roche Abbey.

In the tranquil valley of Maltly Beck lie the ruins of Roche Abbey, an English Cistercian monastery.

The abbey was founded in 1147 by Richard de Busli and Richard FitzTurgis.

When stone buildings were raised on the north side of the beck.

Early records suggest there were 14 Cistercian monks and an unknown number of novices at the time of dissolution in 1538.

The Gothic transcepts still stand.

Today the site is in the care of English Heritage.

All images © Ian Foster / fozimage