Blanchland & Blanchland Abbey, Northumberland

Blanchland, a picturesque village nestled in the North Pennines, offers visitors a unique glimpse into England's medieval past. Built around the ruins of Blanchland Abbey, founded in 1165 by Walter de Bolbec, the village has been beautifully preserved, with many of its buildings constructed from stones of the original abbey. The Abbey itself, dissolved in 1539 during Henry VIII's reign, continues to stand as a parish church, featuring a fascinating mix of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture.

The aerial footage captures the village’s stunning layout amidst rolling fells and the abbey's atmospheric ruins, while ground-level photography brings out the intricate details of the church, including remnants of medieval stained glass, 13th-century stonework, and the tranquil setting of the abbey’s historic churchyard. This project aims to preserve the timeless beauty and rich history of Blanchland and its abbey, a hidden gem on the Northumberland-Durham border.