Wenlock Priory, Much Wenlock (Shropshire)

Explore the priory, church and chapter house at the tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory.

Summary

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

Food and Drinks

Tea Room
Picnic area

Introduction

A relaxing day of exploration awaits at the tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory. Explore the ruins of Shropshire's large Cluniac priory, the remains of a 13th Century church and a Norman chapter house, which houses impressive topiary figures guarding the priory, all guided by a fascinating audio tour.

History to the present day

The tranquil ruins of medieval Wenlock Priory stand in a garden setting on the fringe of beautiful Much Wenlock. An Anglo-Saxon monastery was founded here in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia,whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously rediscovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrims and prosperity to the priory.

By then Wenlock had been re- founded by the Normans as a priory of Cluniac monks. It is the impressive remains of this medieval priory which survive today, everywhere reflecting the renowned Cluniac love of elaborate decoration. Parts of the great 13th-century church, once among the finest in England, still stand high; and in the adjoining cloister garth is a most unusual 'lavabo,' or monks' washing fountain, embellished with 12th-century carvings. Once enclosed in an octagonal building, 16 monks could wash here at once before eating in the nearby refectory.

But perhaps the greatest glory of Cluniac Wenlock is the extravagantly decorated chapter house, dating from about 1140. Entered through a three-arched doorway, its walls are bedecked with decorative blind arcading on multiple carved columns. This is a further fine example of the Anglo-Norman architecture at Wenlock Priory.

All of this is set against a backdrop of the complete infirmary wing, converted into a mansion after the priory's dissolution in 1540 and still a private residence, while the beauty of the ruins is enhanced by the famous topiary-filled cloister garden.

Other facilities

Toilets available.

Shop: Level access.

Access to priory and gardens: Wheelchair ramp at new entrance. All parts of priory and gardens accessible via impacted gravel paths and smooth grass. Benches provided.

Parking: 20m from entrance.

Visually Impaired Visitors: Special audio tour included in admission price. Stonework and topiary to touch. NB Crypt and low walls may be hazardous.

Hearing Impaired Visitors: Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Wenlock Priory, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, , United Kingdom

Road Access: In Much Wenlock.

Train Access: Telford Central 9 miles.

Bus Access: Arriva Midlands North 436, Arriva Midlands North/Pete's 437 alight at Much Wenlock.

Opening Times:

April to March

1-30 Apr 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Hols.
1 May-31 Aug 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Sep-1 Nov 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb 10am-4pm Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-5pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Hols.
24-26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed

Price:

Adult: £3.60

Children: £1.80

Concession: £3.10

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.