Lanercost Priory, Nr Brampton (Cumbria)

Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory is the best-preserved monastery in Cumbria.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Picnic area

Introduction

Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory is the best-preserved monastery in Cumbria and a facinating day out. Explore the chancel and transepts, still at their full height, discover the cloisters, see unique Renaissance wall paintings and enjoy a family picnic in a truly tranquil setting.

History to the present day

The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign

Yet there is still much to see in this best-preserved of Cumbrian monasteries. The east end of the noble 13th- century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments, including the exquisite effigy of four- month-old Elizabeth Dacre Howard. The nave, with its soaring west front, is still in full use as the parish church.

Lanercost's cloisters include a beautiful vaulted 13th-century refectory undercroft. They partly owe their preservation to their conversion, after the priory's suppression, into the Tudor mansion of the Dacre family. The cloister west range includes the Dacre Hall, still displaying fragments of 16th-century wall- painting: as well as the four-storey Dacre Tower, adapted from the monastic kitchen.

Set beside a still-active farm, vicarage, and 'vicar's pele tower' (viewable only from outside), Lanercost Priory's extensive remains make an unforgettable ensemble.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Lanercost Priory, Cumbria, , United Kingdom

Road Access: Off a minor road South of Lanercost; 2 miles NE of Brampton

Train Access: Brampton 3 miles

Bus Access: Stagecoach in Cumbria 685 Carlisle - Newcastle-upon-Tyne to within1 1⁄2 miles; AD122 (Apr-Oct)

Opening Times: April to March

1 Apr-30 Sept 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

Price:

Adult: £3.00

Children: £1.50

Concession: £2.60

Family Ticket: £7.30

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.