Lanercost Priory

Lanercost's peaceful setting today belies an unusually turbulent history for a monastery. Lying close to the Scottish border, the priory was vulnerable to attack during the Anglo-Scottish wars of the 14th century, and Robert Bruce himself raided it. Edward I and his retinue stayed here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before the king's death. After the priory's dissolution the nave of the church continued in use as the parish church, which it remains today. Parts of the monastic buildings were turned into a residence for the Dacre family and the finest part of their home, Dacre Hall, still remains in use as the village hall. By contrast, the ruined choir and transepts form a dramatic silhouette. This guidebook provides a full tour of all the buildings, and traces the evolution of the priory and the history of its inhabitants from medieval times to the present day.