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Wenlock Priory

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

One of the most historic monastic sites in England, Wenlock Priory was founded in the year 680 AD by the King of Mercia, Merewalh, for his daughter Milburga, who served as abbess until her death in 722. Milburga was acclaimed a saint after her death. Milburga's abbey was destroyed around 874 by the Danes, but was eventually refounded as a Minster by Leofric of Mercia around 1050. Sometime after the Norman Conquest the Minster was once again refounded, this time as a Cluniac priory.

In 1101 the remains of St Milburga were (conveniently) rediscovered, with the result that Wenlock Priory became a popular destination for pilgrims in the medieval period and the priory prospered. That prosperity is perhaps best evidenced by the superb 13th century church, which was accounted one of the finest in England before the priory was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540.

After the dissolution, the infirmary wing of the priory was converted into a private house, which still stands today. The cloisters are now a lovely garden filled with topiary.

The finest feature of Wenlock Priory is probably the superb chapter house, which dates to about 1140.  The Anglo-Norman decoration is beautiful, with blind arcading and carved columns. An unusual feature is the 'lavabo', a sort of communal washing fountain. The lavabo stands in the cloister garth, and was originally housed in an octagonal building. The ornately decorated fountain has spaces for up to 16 monks at a time to wash before proceeding to the refectory for meals.

Excavations have shown that there was a Roman building on the site which was reused as the 7th century church. This Roman/Saxon church was still standing in the 11th century.
Much Wenlock, Shropshire, England, TF13 6HS

About Wenlock Priory
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: In the north east of Much Wenlock, at the east end of High Street off Bull Ring.
Website: Wenlock Priory
Phone: 01952 727466
English Heritage
Location map
OS SJ624001

Heritage Highlight: Superbly decorated 12th century chapter house
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Benthall Hall - 2.6 miles (Historic House) Buildwas Abbey - 2.9 miles (Abbey) Iron Bridge - 3.8 miles (Historic Property) Morville Hall - 4.7 miles (Historic Property) Langley Chapel - 5.4 miles (Historic Property) Acton Burnell Castle - 5.7 miles (Castle) Wroxeter Roman City - 6.2 miles (Roman) Shipton Hall - 6.4 miles (Historic House)

Nearest Towns and Villages Bewdley - 18.3 miles away Tenbury Wells - 20 miles away Stourport - 21.2 miles away Abberley - 21.6 miles away Bromsgrove - 27.6 miles away Droitwich Spa - 28.6 miles away Hanbury - 30.6 miles away Worcester - 31.3 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Wenlock Priory

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Rickyard Cottage - 3.8 miles from Wenlock Priory Leighton, Shropshire Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £170

The Byre Cottage - 3.8 miles from Wenlock Priory Leighton, Shropshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £180

The Cornhouse - 3.8 miles from Wenlock Priory Leighton, Shropshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £195

More Self Catering near Wenlock Priory

Nearest Hotels

The Raven Hotel - 0.2 miles from Wenlock Priory Much Wenlock, Shropshire Stay from: £115.00

The Gaskell Arms Hotel - 0.3 miles from Wenlock Priory Much Wenlock, Shropshire Stay from: £50.00

Gaskell Arms Hotel - 0.3 miles from Wenlock Priory Much Wenlock, Shropshire Stay from: £110.00

More Hotels near Wenlock Priory

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Swan Ironbridge - 3.5 miles from Wenlock Priory Telford, Shropshire From: £70.00

The White Hart Ironbridge - 3.5 miles from Wenlock Priory Ironbridge, Shropshire From: £39.00

The Swan Ironbridge - 3.5 miles from Wenlock Priory Ironbridge, Shropshire From: £52.00

More bed and breakfasts near Wenlock Priory

Much Wenlock
Tourist Information Centre
The Museum
High Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire
England
TF13 6HR
Tel: 01952 727 679
Alternate Tel: 01746 763 257
Fax: 01952 727 679
Email: muchwenlock.tourism@shropshire-cc.gov.uk
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