Wetheral Priory Gatehouse

Wetheral Priory Gatehouse's story can be traced back to the early 12th century when Wetheral Priory itself was constructed by Ranulf Meschin, a Norman lord with close ties to William the Conqueror's son Henry I. The priory was a smaller offshoot of the more powerful St Mary's Abbey in York, but despite its smaller size it still held some interesting privileges. The right of sanctuary was provided on site, granted by Henry I, and this allowed the priory to provide refuge to any criminal who came there to claim it. In 1342 those claiming sanctuary at Wetheral Priory were offered the chance of a pardon by Edward III, but only on the condition that they fought for him against the Scots.

The 15th century gatehouse would have been the main entrance to the priory's outer courtyard. While access to the priory was its main use it was also designed to exude authority and status, letting everyone know who had the power in the area. Its design also allowed it to act a defensive structure, which would have proved vital in an age of frequent border disputes.

The Gatehouse is an example of medieval architecture and is constructed from the distinctive red sandstone of the area. There are three storeys to the building and the ground floor features a barrel-vaulted entrance passageway, which would have been an impressive arrival point for visitors. To either side of the passageway is a porter's lodge. This small chamber would have been where the gatekeeper would have been stationed so they could control exactly who and what had access to the priory grounds.

The upper floors, which are still accessible via a stone spiral staircase, would have been home to more domestic areas for the officials of the priory. The rooms would have had some luxuries such as fireplaces, garderobes and spaces for a bed which would have provided some comfort to those living there.

The gatehouse's exterior is impressive, with arrow slits and other defensive elements visible around its walls. There is also evidence of adjacent buildings that have since been demolished visible on the walls, with places where roof lines tied into the gatehouse very noticeable. These help to give some idea of the complex that would have existed at its peak.

During the reign of Henry VIII, the dissolution of the monasteries between 1536 and 1541 saw the decline and end of Wetheral Priory. The buildings, with the obvious exception of the gatehouse, were demolished and their stone used in other buildings nearby. The remaining gatehouse did actually see some use over the years as it was converted into a vicarage which helped to ensure its longer-term survival.

In the following centuries the gatehouse changed roles a number of times, even being used as a hayloft after serving as a vicarage. Despite being used for this more agricultural purpose, the structure remained sound, which goes to show what a good job the masons and builders did all those years ago.

In 1978, the Wetheral Priory Gatehouse was taken under state ownership before being taken over by English Heritage, who still maintain it to this day. It is a Scheduled Monument and a Grade I listed building.