Join one of our volunteer tour guides for an interactive tour of the hundreds of masons’ marks found carved into the ruins of Fountains Abbey.

See precisely where they are and, importantly, where they are not. Notice their different forms before asking, who made them, and what do they mean? The answers may not be what you expect and they may challenge some of the myths that surround medieval masonic practices.

You may wish to bring a small notebook and pen (although this is not essential), and a pocket torch to illuminate some of the darkest and most secretive corners (most mobile phones will work just as well).

Meet at Porter’s Lodge at 1.30pm for an approximately 1 hour long tour.

If you’d like to find out more about the abbey ruins, you can meet a guide in the abbey cloister, at 3pm, where they’ll be able to answer any of your questions and discuss the history of the ruins in more detail. Or pop into Porter’s Lodge to see the free exhibition.

This tour is free but standard admission charges apply.

Unfortunately, sometimes our volunteer guides aren’t available and we have to cancel tours. Please ask the admission staff on your arrival for the tour schedule on that day.

Find out more here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden/events/fbe9ab8e-d496-4a18-afd7-9d003dc04f68