St Botolph's Priory, Colchester (Essex)

Introduction

The remains of one of the first Augustinian priories in England, founded c.1100. An impressive example of early Norman architecture, built in flint and reused Roman brick, the church displays massive circular pillars and round arches and an elaborate west front. Later badly damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War siege of 1648. 

History to the present day

 St Botolph's Priory, located in Colchester, England, was the first English Augustinian priory church. Founded at the end of the eleventh century from the Anglo-Saxon minster community of Colchester, only the ruined remains of the nave survive today, under the care of English Heritage.

St. Botolph's never achieved fame through a library and scriptorium or attracted pilgrims through possession of miraculous relics. At the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the priory buildings passed to secular owners but the priory church passed into the care of the parish, and served as a parish church.

The former exterior plaster has now weathered away, revealing the flints and reused Roman bricks of which the priory was constructed as Essex is a region devoid of building stone.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: St Botolph's Priory, Essex, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

All year

Any reasonable time

Mon - Sun

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult:Free

Children:Free

Concession:Free

 

 

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.