Lanercost Priory

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. The priory was located in a 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, Sheriff of Cumberland, in 1169. De Vaux was a powerful and wealthy man, and he chose to build his priory on a strategic site close to Hadrian's Wall. The priory was dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, and it quickly became a popular destination for pilgrims.

The priory was home to a community of about 12-15 canons who lived a life of prayer, study, and manual labor. They were responsible for the upkeep of the priory buildings, as well as the care of the surrounding land. The canons also taught at the priory school, which was one of the most important schools in the region.

The priory was a thriving community for over 300 years. However, it was not immune to the violence that characterized the border region. The priory was attacked several times by Scottish raiders, and it was also damaged during the English Civil War.

In 1538, Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, and Lanercost Priory was closed. The buildings were stripped of their roofs and other valuables, and the canons were forced to leave. The priory was later sold to the Dacre family, who used it as a country house.

In the 18th century, the priory was restored by Anthony Salvin whose restoration work was controversial, as some people felt that he had destroyed some of the original fabric of the building. However, Salvin's work helped to preserve the priory, and it is now a popular tourist destination.

Lanercost Priory is now in the safe hands of English Heritage and is a fascinating place to visit. It is a reminder of a time when the border region was a turbulent and violent place. However, it is also a reminder of the importance of faith and community and is a fabulous example of medieval architecture.