Lanercost Priory

Augustinian canons founded this priory in 1166 under the patronage of Robert de Vaux, lord of Gilsland. The chancel and transepts are in ruins, but the 13th century nave lives on as the parish church.

When the priory was disbanded in the Dissolution of the Monasteries the north aisle became the parish church, but in 1740 the entire nave was roofed and became part of the church. In the 19th century Rosalind, Countess of Carlisle, donated the pews, organ case, and current roof.

The site of the monastic buildings lies to the south of the parish church. Particularly notable is the cellarium, used to store the priory's foodstuff. The cellerium now houses a collection of Roman altars and enjoyable medieval carvings.

The west range of the priory was rebuilt as a private house in the 16th century, complete with a pele tower for protection.

Lanercost is situated on a lovely site beside the River Irthing in a peaceful, wooded valley. But the valley was not always so peaceful; the priory was sacked by the Scots on no less than 3 occasions, in 1296, 1297, and 1346.

In 1307 Edward I stayed at Lanercost during his last abortive journey to battle the Scots. It seems likely that the king and his retinue would have been accommodated in the guesthouse of the priory, which now serves as the vicarage. The elderly king was too ill to continue the fight and eventually died at Burgh by Sands, and a monument to Edward stands near the priory.