St James
Ceiling boss in the vaulted ceiling of the Percy Chapel.
The real hidden gem at Tynemouth Priory is the Percy Chantry Chapel behind the east wall of the ruined choir, a much later addition from c1500 and the only part of the church to remain structurally intact. The rich vaulted ceiling is a particular delight with its figurative bosses representing Christ and the Apostles.
The majestic ruins of Tynemouth Priory occupy a headland jutting out from the coast, a site that has been occupied in some form since Roman times. The entrance is guarded by the Castle of which the impressive gatehouse remains (originally walls extended from here to enclose the entire promontory, but these have long since been demolished or fallen into the sea). It must have been a dramatic sight before the Dissolution of the Monasteries ended its working life. Whilst the monastic buildings were mostly dismantled at this time parts of the church continued in use as the parish church until 1668 but was subsequently allowed to fall into ruin and was largely dismantled and quarried away.
The medieval priory was dominated by the great 13th century church which must have been a fine example of Early English Gothic judging by the most substantial remaining section at the east end of the choir, where empty, richly molded lancet window still stare out to sea. The nave and transepts are mostly lost, but the lower section of the west front gives enough of a hint to its departed glories.
There is still evidence of later changes and additions to the building towards the end of the Middle Ages, such as enlarged windows and an extended attic-storey over the choir. Best of all was the small chantry chapel beyond the east wall known as the Percy Chapel, which remains intact with its delightful vaulted ceiling studded with worn but still readable figurative bosses. The chapel is entered from behind the site of the former high altar and is a very intimate space but a joy to behold.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tynemouth_Castle_and_Priory
Tynemouth Priory and Castle are now administered by English Heritage and are open to the public for an admission fee.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouth-priory...
St James
Ceiling boss in the vaulted ceiling of the Percy Chapel.
The real hidden gem at Tynemouth Priory is the Percy Chantry Chapel behind the east wall of the ruined choir, a much later addition from c1500 and the only part of the church to remain structurally intact. The rich vaulted ceiling is a particular delight with its figurative bosses representing Christ and the Apostles.
The majestic ruins of Tynemouth Priory occupy a headland jutting out from the coast, a site that has been occupied in some form since Roman times. The entrance is guarded by the Castle of which the impressive gatehouse remains (originally walls extended from here to enclose the entire promontory, but these have long since been demolished or fallen into the sea). It must have been a dramatic sight before the Dissolution of the Monasteries ended its working life. Whilst the monastic buildings were mostly dismantled at this time parts of the church continued in use as the parish church until 1668 but was subsequently allowed to fall into ruin and was largely dismantled and quarried away.
The medieval priory was dominated by the great 13th century church which must have been a fine example of Early English Gothic judging by the most substantial remaining section at the east end of the choir, where empty, richly molded lancet window still stare out to sea. The nave and transepts are mostly lost, but the lower section of the west front gives enough of a hint to its departed glories.
There is still evidence of later changes and additions to the building towards the end of the Middle Ages, such as enlarged windows and an extended attic-storey over the choir. Best of all was the small chantry chapel beyond the east wall known as the Percy Chapel, which remains intact with its delightful vaulted ceiling studded with worn but still readable figurative bosses. The chapel is entered from behind the site of the former high altar and is a very intimate space but a joy to behold.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tynemouth_Castle_and_Priory
Tynemouth Priory and Castle are now administered by English Heritage and are open to the public for an admission fee.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouth-priory...