Category Archives: Medieval Monasteries,
Norton Priory, near Runcorn
On the south side of the River Mersey stands the remains of the once wealthy monastery of Norton Priory. The Augustinian canons founded the site in 1134, having moved from a pre-existing one in Runcorn that had been deemed too small. After draining … Continue reading
Kersal Cell and Kersal Moor, Salford
Kersal Cell and Kersal Moor have long, interesting and sometimes intertwined histories. The moor today is a nature reserve and there is open access for visitors. The Kersal Cell building is now split into private houses, but good views of it can … Continue reading
Dalton Castle, Dalton in Furness
Dalton Castle is a 14th century Pele tower and was owned by the abbot of Furness Abbey. From here he would administer the law in the region of the Lordship of Furness, Lancashire North of the Sands. There would have been … Continue reading
The Lost Leper Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, Preston
The site of St Walburge’s church is believed to be the location of a Medieval leper hospital, dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. Nothing now remains of this building, but what evidence do we have that it was located here ? The … Continue reading
Cartmel Priory and Gatehouse
Legend has it that when the monks from Bradenstoke travelled to Cartmel to found a new priory, they selected the top of a hill with commanding views. However, as they prepared the ground they heard a voice saying “Not there, but … Continue reading
Manchester’s Medieval Collegiate Church
The Medieval Collegiate Church of Manchester became Manchester Cathedral in Victorian times, and much of what we can see on the outside belongs to that period. However, the medieval parts are very much evident inside the building and can be … Continue reading
Preston’s lost Medieval Friary
Although there is a large and busy Preston street still named Friargate that has existed since medieval times, the exact location of this monastic site has remained a mystery. Recent archaeological evidence has drawn it tantalizing closer, as we shall see. The friary … Continue reading
Sawley Abbey, Sawley village, near Clitheroe
Sawley Abbey was founded in 1146, by monks from Newminster Abbey near Morpeth, Northumberland. The land was donated by the powerful Percy family, who went on to give more land in 1280 due to the monks complaining about the marshy ground … Continue reading
Whalley Abbey, Whalley, near Clitheroe
The Whalley monks originally came from Stanlaw Abbey, near Ellesmere Port. They had wanted to move for some time, because of the unsuitability of the Stanlaw site. Stanlaw Abbey had been subject to repeated floods over the years and the … Continue reading
Posted in Medieval Lancashire, Medieval Monasteries,
Tagged Lancashire Monastery, Whalley Abbey history
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