Before the rain

We have traditionally had a day in Yorkshire on Yorkshire Day, but the weather looked so unsettled and I had to be at the computer this morning finding out the Booker Longlist. I was amused then to track some of the reaction, which I can sum up in one word - astonishment!

Anyway we decided to risk it and set off in rain towards Richmond. As soon as we crossed into Yorkshire the sun came out!

We had planned to go into Richmond, but decided first to visit nearby Easby Abbey. It’s a place we like and we enjoyed a wander amongst the ruins of what was once a magnificent set of buildings. The Abbey was founded in 1151, but most of what remains dates from the 13th century.

Here is what was a grand two-storey refectory. Don’t be fooled by the bit of blue sky - five minutes later there was a downpour. The problem with a ruined abbey is that they tend to have no roof . . .

Sheltering in one of the porches, it was amusing seeing other people also finding bits of shelter and then eventually deciding it had eased off enough to make a dash for the car.

We decided we had had enough and set off for home, calling in at Barnard Castle for fish and chips.