The family who have cared for Jervaulx Abbey for generations say they are “utterly heartbroken” after the historic site was vandalised.
Stone was drilled, cut, removed and stolen in an incident believed to have taken place on Saturday at the Scheduled Monument.
In a statement, the Burdon family said: “Drilling into the ancient stone, cutting, or stealing stone is not only devastating to the fabric of the Abbey, but also an illegal act against our shared heritage.
“To see the Abbey treated in this way is truly soul-destroying for us.”
They added that Jervaulx Abbey is a small, family-run site without the resources or CCTV systems that larger places may have.
North Yorkshire Police have been informed and anyone with information is being urged to come forward.
The family added: “This place is not only part of history, but part of our family — and part of so many people’s memories too. We’re devastated, but we know the love and respect our community has for Jervaulx Abbey is stronger than the thoughtlessness of a few.”
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