The tranquil ruins of medieval Wenlock Priory stand in a garden setting on the fringe of beautiful Much Wenlock. An Anglo-Saxon monastery was founded here in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia,whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously rediscovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrims and prosperity to the priory.
By then Wenlock had been re- founded by the Normans as a priory of Cluniac monks. It is the impressive remains of this medieval priory which survive today, everywhere reflecting the renowned Cluniac love of elaborate decoration. Parts of the great 13th-century church, once among the finest in England, still stand high; and in the adjoining cloister garth is a most unusual 'lavabo,' or monks' washing fountain, embellished with 12th-century carvings. Once enclosed in an octagonal building, 16 monks could wash here at once before eating in the nearby refectory.
But perhaps the greatest glory of Cluniac Wenlock is the extravagantly decorated chapter house, dating from about 1140. Entered through a three-arched doorway, its walls are bedecked with decorative blind arcading on multiple carved columns. This is a further fine example of the Anglo-Norman architecture at Wenlock Priory.
All of this is set against a backdrop
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Every effort is made to make sure that all the information is correct but we strongly recommend that you call Wenlock Priory before you set off on your day out to confirm opening times and admission prices.
Please also note that the position on Google maps for Wenlock Priory is a rough estimate using their postcode in the database and might be slightly out.
It may also be worth clicking the web link for Wenlock Priory to see if there are any special events coming up or currently on.
Much Wenlock Museum