Wenlock Priory
Much Wenlock, Shropshire
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Featured Location Guide |
The rolling countryside and peacefulness and
tranquillity of the Shropshire countryside seems to have appealed to those who
wanted to lead a monastic life. There are many in this area.
Wenlock Priory ruins are situated in the heart
of Much Wenlock. It is a pretty little town, with narrow roads and black and
white striped buildings, including the Market Hall.
The abbey was founded in AD680 by King Merewalh and his
daughter Milburge was installed as the Abbess. After the Norman conquest
of 1066 it was refounded as a Cluanic Priory by Roger de Montgomery (a Norman
and 1st Earl of Shrewsbury) who brought
monks from Cluny in France to settle there.
Milburge
was canonised after her death and the priory
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An
English Heritage Site
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was dedicated to her. Her bones were found in 1101 and it became a place of
pilgrimage. However in 1540 like many of the abbey's in the country it was
closed down by Henry VIII.
It was one of the longest monastic churches
and today you can see the ruins of this, a unique lavabo and the 12th century chapter house.
Parts of the church also stand against the backdrop of the full-height infirmary
wing.
Click on the images to see the bigger picture.
These pictures were taken prior to Nikon DSLR.
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Planning Grid
Location: |
Wenlock
Priory, Shropshire |
Grid Reference: |
SJ625001 - OS Map 242 |
Getting there: |
In the centre
of Much Wenlock |
Access: |
From it's own
car park through the small shop. |
Parking: |
It has it's
own free car park 20m from entrance, plus there is parking in Much Wenlock centre, and it's
only a short walk. |
Facilities: |
Toilets. Audio Tour. Shop |
Things To Do,
See and Photograph: |
Extensive
ruins which can be photographed from many angles, topiary garden, and some
border flowers and roses. |
What to take: |
Camera,
Tripod, Shift lens if you have one, Grads |
Nature highlights: |
Usually sheep
in nearby field, and sometimes there is a cat lounging on the wooden seats. |
Address: |
5 Sheinton Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire |
Postcode: |
TF13 6HS |
Telephone: |
01952 727466 |
Opening times: |
1 Nov-28 Feb Thu-Sun 10am-4pm
1 Mar-30 Apr and 1 Sept-31 Oct Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
1 May-31 Aug Daily 10am-5pm
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1st Jan. Bank Holidays
10am-5pm |
Charges: |
English
Heritage Members - Free; Non-Members Adults £4; Concession £3.60; Child
(5-15) £2.40 |
Photo Restrictions: |
No commercial
photography is allowed in all their grounds, it is not permitted in some
buildings for conservation purposes, usually a no photography symbol is
present on entry to the building where this restriction is in place. |
Other Restrictions: |
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Special Needs Access: |
Wheelchair ramp at entrance. All parts
accesible via compacted paths or grass |
Special Needs Facilities: |
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Children Facilities: |
Baby changing facilities |
Dogs Allowed: |
On leads |
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can add to the Further information and Planning Grids or page and any errors that you discover. Before making a long trip to any location it is always
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