Lanercost Priory in Cumbria, England

An introduction to Lanercost Priory in north-west England.
Lanercost was established in the 1160s as an Augustinian priory. Augustinian canons administered the site for almost 400 years and oversaw the farming of surrounding land.
During the Dissolution of the Monasteries, under England's King Henry VIII, Lanercost was closed and its roof was stripped. That happened in March 1537.
If you're interested in British history and looking for days out near Carlisle, this place may well be worth visiting. It is under 25 minutes' drive north-east of Carlisle and an hour's drive west of Newcastle. It's ideal as a destination for days out in Cumbria.
Stone stripped from nearby Hadrian's Wall was used in the construction of the priory. Reusing the masonry that way today would be regarded as vandalism. Hadrian's Wall now forms part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banks East Turret, under 1.5 miles from Lanercost Priory, can be visited while in the area of the priory. Walking along the Roman wall and visiting nearby Brampton can be combined with a trip to this English Heritage-managed site.
In terms of historic places in England, it is significant as King Edward I resided at Lanercost for several months during the winter of 1306-07. Around that time, during the Scottish Wars of Independence, Lanercost Priory was attacked several times. William Wallace and Robert the Bruce count among the men who lead Scottish armies south to Lanercost.
Today the priory buildings from the Middle Ages form one of the English Heritage sites in Cumbria. There's ample parking at Lanercost Priory. Not one for bringing picnics on days out? Lanercost Priory Tea Room serves food and refreshments.
The church on the site remains open. It houses the Lanercost Cross, which dates from 1214, plus stained glass window designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris's company.
I hope you enjoy this brief introduction to this historic place in northern England and consider visiting when you are next in the area. It's one of many things to do in Cumbria for history lovers.