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Lanercost Priory - Lanercost, Cumbria (EH) The approach to Lanercost is through a ruined archway. This was once the gatehouse, with a vaulted passage, and possibly rooms to either side. As at Bolton Abbey, the original nave of the priory church was re-roofed around 1740 to become the present day parish church. The Priory itself was consecrated in 1169, and housed canons of the Augustinian Order. They probably came from Pentney in Norfolk, where the founding Vaux family also had estates. From the extensive records left by the canons, it would seem that Lanercost had a peaceful and prosperous early history, Edward I stayed here three times and various alterations were made. In the more turbulent times of the fourteenth century, it came under attack by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. After the dissolution of the monasteries, Lanercost was given to the Dacre family, who held power locally, and they continued to hold it until 1716, when the local family died out. The site became overgrown and defaced, many monuments suffering badly.
Of the present buildings, the church contains various styles of architecture, evidence of progressive building. The earliest parts are to the south, where Norman, round-headed doorways and round piers ca be seen. The later, early thirteenth century west front and north wall have elegantly pointed lancet windows in the newer, Gothic style. Once outside again, the site of the original high alter and crossing remain full of atmosphere, and the ruined tombs of Roland de Vaux, the founder’s nephew, and Sir Humphrey and Sir Thomas Dacre, who died at the battle of Flodden can be seen. The family crests appear again and again. Probably the most commented on tomb is the Victorian effigy of Elizabeth Dacre Howard, who died as a baby. A bit mawkish for my taste. To the south of the church are the remains of the cloister, chapter house and dormitory, and further on, the well-preserved undercroft, used for storage. Although not as large as the one at Fountains Abbey, it remains impressive, and various masons’ marks can be seen on the stones. This range of buildings is, like the church in part twelfth and thirteenth century. The other remnants of building were probably used by the Prior and then the Dacres for accommodation, but little remains today.
Architectural features remain from Norman (12th Century) and Early English (13th Century) periods. The undercroft of the refectory is quite complete with evidence of the masons' emblems scratched onto many of the vault's stones. Previously used for storage, this undercroft or cellar now contains replicas of Roman altars from various sites in the locality, including Birdoswald. Fine tombs are located in the old church, including that of Roland de Vaux, nephew of the priory's founder, and the ornate altar tomb of Sir Thomas Dacre, who died in 1525 at the battle of Flodden. The parish church is still in use and occupies the position of the original nave of the priory church. |
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Back to the Home Page of the UK Heritage collection. This information has been researched and published here by: Jonathan & Clare |
