Hulne Priory

Hulne Priory was a Carmelite friary founded in 1240 and possibly the first one established in England. At the time of the Dissolution the church was dissolved in 1538 but parts of the building remain. These include a tower and precinct wall, given to the abbey in 1488 to defend the church, and main claustral buildings. Lesser buildings survive only as foundations. Excavations at the end of the 19th century exposed the ground plan of the abbey and part of an Anglo-Saxon cross shaft was found.

The chapel has been transformed into a modern residence, and another house has been built east of the cloister. The tower stands at full height, having been remodelled in the late 18th century. The interior was partially Gothicised during these works, but the vaulted basement ceiling is original. Unique to Hulne is the Carmelite infirmary, which is built on the standard hospital plan of the medieval period.

Les Hull	Les Hull

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Photo taken from Brizlee Tower in Hulne Park

  Les Hull

How to Get to the Priory

The Priory is situated on a hill which overlooks the River Aln in a very tranquil location deep inside Hulne Park, which is part of the estate of Alnwick Castle and the public are granted access to walk on some of the tracks and roads.

From Ratten Row pass through the Forest Lodge gateway into the park. Follow the road ignoring deviations left and right. At the Park Farm road junction bear left. Further along the road. Hulne Priory is seen to the right, in the middle distance. The road now drops down to East Brizlee Farm and past it to cross the Aln at east Brizlee bridge. Take a right at the bridge and make your way along beside the river to the Iron Bridge. The Priory is now up to your left at the top of the hill. You can cross the grass and climb the hill to the Priory. To use the path to the priory, follow the river round to a gate and go left uphill and then left again to enter the Priory grounds.

Location: Hulne Priory, Hulne Park, Alnwick, Northumberland Grid Reference: NU163157 Ceremonial County: Northumberland Map Link: StreetMap     Aerial photo: Google Aerial  Getting there: In Alnwick the road to Hulne Park is called Ratten Row and is accessed from the B6346 Wooler Road. Access: No car park or vehicle access - There is access to the priory grounds on foot only, but there is a private house in the grounds. From Ratten Row pass through the Forest Lodge gateway into the park. Follow the road ignoring deviations left and right. At the Park Farm road junction bear left. Further along the road. Hulne Priory is seen to the right, in the middle distance. The road now drops down to East Brizlee Farm and past it to cross the Aln at east Brizlee bridge. Take a right at the bridge and make your way along beside the river to the Iron Bridge. The Priory is now up to your left at the top of the hill. You can cross the grass and climb the hill to the Priory. To use the path to the priory, follow the river round to a gate and go left uphill and then left again to enter the Priory grounds. Website: Other Useful Websites: Wiki    PEH     More Pics Email: Address: Postcode: NE66 2LL Telephone: Opening Times: Any reasonable time, but be respectful of those living nearby. Charges: None Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Abbey Section Notes: You can park in Ratten Row, or there is a large car park off Greenwell Road in Alnwick.

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