Standing close to Hadrian´s Wall this beautiful church was built by Augustinian monks using stone from the Wall. It was built in 1166 by Robert de Vaux when it was home to about 16 canons. However the Scots who often terrorized the north broke the tranquility of their lives.

Edward I was to stay here several times when en route to Scotland. The last time was 1306 when, while on his way to Carlisle, he fell ill and had to rest at Lanercost. The dying Edward ruled his kingdom from here for the following six months having summoned Parliament to Carlisle and moved the seals of the crown to Lanercost. The most damaging attack came in 1346 when King David II of Scotland ransacked the monastic buildings, desecrated the priory church and wasted lands belonging to the priory.

During the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 it was converted into a private residence by Sir Thomas Dacre. In the 19^th century the ruins of the nave were restored and turned into a church.

Next to the priory is a really nice visitor centre with a very good restaruant. We have visited the grounds twice but never had the time to go inside. One more point on our To Do List.

The last two photos are from the old packhorse bridge across the River Irthing just a few hundred yards from the Priory. The modern road bridge is right next to it.