Monk Bretton Priory, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Originally a monastery under the Cluniac order, Monk Bretton Priory is located in the village of Lundwood, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire. It was founded in 1154 as the Priory of St. Mary Magdelene of Lund, by Adam Fitswane, sited on the Lund, from Old Norse. In the course of time, the priory took the name of the nearby village of Bretton, to be commonly known as Monk Bretton Priory.
Little remains of the church, although there are several particularly fine examples of medieval grave slabs. The cloister buildings are better preserved. They include the high south wall of the monks’ refectory, with its two great windows; parts of the chapterhouse; and the west range which is almost complete.
North-east of the church a large building of the late 13th century stands alone. It retains its medieval double-ridged roof, and, inside, tall octagonal pillars support the upper storey. The building was probably the courthouse and administrative building for the management of the priory estates.
The imposing priory gatehouse, which was built in the early 15th century, is still almost intact, although roofless.
Monk Bretton Priory, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Originally a monastery under the Cluniac order, Monk Bretton Priory is located in the village of Lundwood, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire. It was founded in 1154 as the Priory of St. Mary Magdelene of Lund, by Adam Fitswane, sited on the Lund, from Old Norse. In the course of time, the priory took the name of the nearby village of Bretton, to be commonly known as Monk Bretton Priory.
Little remains of the church, although there are several particularly fine examples of medieval grave slabs. The cloister buildings are better preserved. They include the high south wall of the monks’ refectory, with its two great windows; parts of the chapterhouse; and the west range which is almost complete.
North-east of the church a large building of the late 13th century stands alone. It retains its medieval double-ridged roof, and, inside, tall octagonal pillars support the upper storey. The building was probably the courthouse and administrative building for the management of the priory estates.
The imposing priory gatehouse, which was built in the early 15th century, is still almost intact, although roofless.