NORTH Yorkshire’s monastic past is to be celebrated this autumn with a range of events.

During the medieval period, Yorkshire was home to more than a hundred monasteries.

Some of this past will be brought to life during Yorkshire Abbey season, which begins on September 23.

From Saturday, September 23 to Sunday, September 24, Rievaulx Abbey near Helmsley will be hosting displays of falconry and show how the birds were used for sport by medieval monks. The following weekend will explore the use of birds in the Georgian period for leisure sport.

Byland Abbey, near Ampleforth, which dates from the 12th century, will transport visitors back into the past with medieval music and dance, along with Living History performed by York City Levy on September 23 and 24. There will also be games and crafts, candle-making, stone carving and archery displays. From September 30 to October 1, re-enactors Buckinghams will act out daily life at the abbey, along with music, dance and more archery displays.

At Mount Grace Priory and Gardens, near Stokesley hear the music of the medieval period performed by Trouvere Medieval Minstrels. Along with scheduled performances, the musicians will give talks. .

Area manager Chris Keld said: “Our sites look fantastic all year round, but there’s something spectacular about the glorious colours of autumn set against the dramatic abbey ruins. With a busy schedule of activities and performances planned for our Yorkshire Abbey Season, this is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to make the most of this beautiful time of year.”