Lanercost Priory CA8 2HQ
Free for EH members
Open: Seasonal - See website

About:
Lanercost Priory is a well-preserved medieval monastic site in northern England. Founded in 1169, it housed a community of Augustinian canons and later became home to a branch of the Dacre family.

When the priory was founded, its site would have seemed ideal. It was close to Hadrian’s Wall – an excellent source of building stone – lay on the river Irthing, and was surrounded by plentiful woodland. However, the priory was located in the turbulent and violent border region between England and Scotland, and this was to dictate its fortunes over the next 400 years.

The priory was founded by Robert de Vaux, whose family had been granted the barony of Gilsland, on the border with Scotland, as reward for their part in the Norman Conquest. The area had only come under English rule in 1157. The founding of a priory was a symbol of Robert’s permanence in the area and of his wealth, as well as an act of piety. He gave the priory considerable lands and churches nearby, and allowed the canons the freedom to elect their own lord prior.

The earliest buildings were the south transept and south wall of the church, and the monastic buildings around the cloister. An inscribed cross, the base of which still stands in the outer precinct, with the upper shaft preserved in the church, was erected to mark the completion of this stage in 1214.

Building work then appears to have ceased for several decades, with the presbytery and north transept not built until about 1260. While the south transept has taller arches and a single window level (clerestory) above, the north transept has much sturdier, shorter pillars, supporting two levels of windows (triforium and clerestory) and a stone-vaulted roof.

Dog Friendly:
Dogs allowed on lead - throughout site

Entry Charge:
Various pricing- see website

Parking:
Parking available near location 

Facilities:
Gift shop
Food and drink 
Toilets 
picnic area
Exhibition

Notes:
Steep drops behind the fort

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181