Brinkburn Priory (Northumberland)

12th century church of the Augustinian priory, restored to its former glory.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Information provided

Food and Drinks Picnic area

Introduction

The beautiful 12th-century church of the Augustinian priory of Brinkburn survives completely roofed and restored. Picturesquely set by a bend in the River Coquet, it is reached by a scenic 10 minute walk from the car park. Parts of the monastic buildings are incorporated into the elegant adjacent manor house.

History to the present day

Brinkburn Priory lies by the river Coquet. The small but beautifully decorated Norman north door is embellished with carved mouldings and is topped with a gable containing three trefoil niches. The priory was founded around 1135 and it shows the changing architecture of the period, showing Norman, Romanesque and Early English Gothic features.

Inside, the well proportioned interior seems to be complete as the once ruined church was painstakingly restored in 1858-9 by the Cadogan family who were the owners at the time. Enough remained of the original fabric of the building to give a clear idea of how it originally appeared. The glass in the windows was designed after some traces of the original glass had been discovered and although the new gabled section incorporating a wheel window in the south transept is a little early stylistically.

Outside, little remains of the priory buildings, such as the cloisters, chapter house and refectory, as following the Reformation the site was used as a private residence. The existing house is situated very close to the priory, now is Gothic in style and has recently been conserved for viewing by the public.There are remnants of the original medieval buildings, notably a stone arch which is recognisable as the laver recess of the Refectory despite its dilapidated state.
 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Brinkburn Priory, Northumberland, , United Kingdom

Opening times: 1 Apr-30 Sep 11am-4pm

Admission prices:

Adult:£3.00

Children:£1.50

Concession:£2.60

Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.