Lanercost Priory

The beautiful and now tranquil setting of Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. The mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign

Yet there is still much to see in this best-preserved of Cumbrian monasteries. The east end of the noble 13th- century church survives to its full height, housing within its dramatic triple tier of arches some fine monuments, including the exquisite effigy of four- month-old Elizabeth Dacre Howard. The nave, with its soaring west front, is still in full use as the parish church.

Lanercost's cloisters include a beautiful vaulted 13th-century refectory undercroft. They partly owe their preservation to their conversion, after the priory's suppression, into the Tudor mansion of the Dacre family. The cloister west range includes the Dacre Hall, still displaying fragments of 16th-century wall- painting: as well as the four-storey Dacre Tower, adapted from the monastic kitchen.

Set beside a still-active farm, vicarage, and 'vicar's pele tower' (viewable only from outside), Lanercost Priory's extensive remains make an unforgettable ensemble.