Go north to find the sun!

It was cloudy and grey in Kendal so having checked the forecast we set off north to Shap and walked along the river from Keld to sit in the sunshine amongst the ruins of Shap Abbey.  It was founded in the late 12th century and belonged to the Premonstratensian order of canons, who 'lived their life guided by an austere monastic rule'.  Judging by the interpretative boards the monks/canons stood beside the stone columns and prayed, as well as singing at eight services every day.  The enormous west tower outlined in the photo was built in c1500, but was destroyed in 1540 during Henry VIII's Suppression of the Monasteries.  Now we know - and we did enjoy some sunshine.