Uncover the mysteries of the masons' marks
Join one of our volunteer tour guides for an interactive tour of the hundreds of masons’ marks found carved into the runs of Fountains Abbey.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Join one of our volunteer tour guides for an interactive tour of the hundreds of masons’ marks found carved into the runs 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.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Meeting point
Meet at the Porter's Lodge; a 15 minute walk from the Visitor Centre, down a steep 20% gradient, 5 minutes from the level access West Gate entrance and 30 minutes from the Studley Royal entrance.
- What to bring and wear
We are an outdoor site so please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. You may also wish to bring a small notebook, pen & a pocket torch to illuminate some of the darkest corners.
- Accessibility
Access to the abbey is across a level grassy green. When the grass is particularly wet this can be impassable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams. We have a portable hearing loop available to hire, free of charge, for guided tours. Please call 01765 608888 to book. Please collect from your tour guide at Porter's Lodge. You can use this with a hearing aid set to 'T' or with headphones.
- Other
This tour will last approx. 1 hour. Unfortunately, sometimes our 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.
Upcoming events
Easter egg hunt at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
This spring, discover treats and a world of adventure here at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal.
Garden and abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover the secrets and surprises of Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest and most complete monastic ruins in the country.
Monastic bread, beer and wool tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the people who lived and worked on the Fountains Abbey estate.