St Mary’s, Lanercost Priory

About

Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a magnificent and fascinating complex of historic buildings.  St Mary’s sits in the former nave of the Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1169.

It has been a place of worship for almost 850 years. But these have not been altogether peaceful years. Because it is so close to Scotland, the priory suffered during the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century. In 1311 Robert Bruce himself raided it. The thick walls of the tower may well have been used for defence. Then with the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the priory church began to fall into disrepair.

The ruins at the east end of the church, some standing almost to their full height and forming a dramatic silhouette, are a silent witness to this story of destruction and decay. Despite everything, worship continued in the north aisle, which was walled off and reroofed in about 1740 and became the parish church while the remainder of the original church was left roofless.

The church houses some interesting artefacts, both ancient and modern. An inscribed Roman centurial stone in the priory's fabric shows that stone to build the original structure came from Hadrian's Wall. This stone is clearly visible, but it was incorporated into the stonework upside down!

The 19th century, stained glass windows were designed by the pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris & Company.  The splendid Dossal was designed for the Priory by William Morris. They add a welcome burst of colour to the otherwise muted church, where time casts a very long shadow.

Key Features

Spectacular stained glass

National heritage here

Glorious furnishings

Famous connections

Captivating architecture

 

Visitor information

Level access to the main areas

Car park at church

Bus stop within 100m

Accessible toilets in church

 

Opening Times

The priory church is open every day of the year.

There is no charge for admission but donations are gratefully received to help with the upkeep of this magnificent, historic building.

The adjoining ruins are under the guardianship of English Heritage.