Hi Brian And from me, who only lives a spit away from Roche Abbey, yes it is a ruin. Many people visit for a number of reasons, the scenery is beautiful - Roche Abbey lies in a clearing in a wooded valley, a stream runs through the ruins - all of which are now fenced off, I think they have Fete's there in the spring and summer, school parties visit it, I think there's a gift shop but that's all. Onto the detrimental side which is a real shame, up until perhaps a year ago it was notorious for drug users, thieves (who break into cars whilst people are out walking - the damage we actually saw one day whilst walking round Roche Abbey ourselves was unbelievable). A line of 8 cars had been parked when we set off, thank goodness we'd left ours up the lane, because when we came back all the lot had had their windows smashed and all contents removed - handbags and the like - anything they thought might have been of worth). It was also a site for cars being dumped and burnt out. Thankfully, there is now a barrier across the entrance to the lane leading down to the Abbey, it is open most of the day but the barrier comes down for the night about 7pm. The bungalow on the lane has been burgled (only last year), the local farmers and farmhands chased the thieves into the cornfields and I think they are all now in prison. My husband lived in one of the cottages across from the entrance to Roche Abbey from being early teens to 20, his parents still live there. If you don't find any positive info about your questions, I'll ask the in-laws, and there are a few old folk live in our village who will perhaps know the history of Roche Abbey. best wishes Tracy Listowner ----- Original Message ----- From: Brian Hough To: ENG-ROTHERHAM-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 8:22 PM Subject: [ROTH] Roche Abbey Hello I have recently come across an old family group photograph taken at my great grandfather's second wedding, he was then aged 76. We have only managed to identify a small number of the group of about 40 guests. >From the obtained marriage certificate it appears the wedding ceremony took place at Blaby near Doncaster in 1902. This group photograph was said to have been taken at Roche Abbey Rotherham. The only clue is the background to the group of an old stone wall and archway. I gather Roche Abbey is only a ruin now. My question is did Roche Abbey ever hold wedding receptions or was it only used as a scenic background for occasions such as this, with the reception being held nearby What happens at Roche Abbey these days? Brian Hough Eng Cheshire --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.443 / Virus Database: 248 - Release Date: 10/01/03 ==== ENG-ROTHERHAM Mailing List ==== Do not post unsavoury material or anything which may upset others to the list. Anyone doing so will be removed - as will those who reply to such material - the listowner will deal with such issues off list. ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237