That was the year it was founded.

Apocryphally, when Benedict of Auxerre sailed up the Ouse three swans (signifying The Holy Trinity) swam out to greet him, signalling the place where his vision of St Germanus instructed him to build his church.  More cynically, perhaps it was one of William the Conqueror’s ways of symbolising his power in the vasta of the North (“I’m here and I’m staying”).

Selby Abbey is a golden secret of the region, having a simple beauty so over-cooked at York Minster.

My favourite bits though don’t exemplify its beauty; rather, its charming ugliness.

·        The squinty arches caused by sinking when the additional weight of the tower was added

·        The misalignment of the East and West ends – about three feet off-centre

·        And the eclectic mix of architectural styles and asymmetry in the nave.

Enjoy the knowledge…

                                                            …but keep the secret.