Weir On River Skell Approximately 10 Metres East Of The Infirmary At Fountains Abbey

The weir on the River Skell, located approximately 10 metres east of the Infirmary at Fountains Abbey, is likely a medieval structure built for the monks of Fountains Abbey and possibly rebuilt after 1768 for William Aislabie. It is constructed from gritstone and stands about one metre high and four metres wide. The weir features a sloping ramp made of coursed stones and an overhanging coping of large blocks. There is a sluice on the river banks upstream. The north bank of the river, east of the abbey church, was used as the monks' burial ground, and the river was channeled beneath the hall and kitchens of the infirmary. These buildings are believed to have been dismantled during the construction of Fountains Hall around 1611, and after 1768, William Aislabie built a folly near the channel outlet. The management of the water level at this weir has been significant throughout the history of the valley's occupation.