Lanercost Priory

Lanercost Priory is an Augustinian priory, located at the village of Lanercost, Cumbria.

The priory was founded by Robert de Vaux between 1165 and 1174, the exact date is unknown, to house Augustinian canons. The charter of foundation states that the benefaction was made for the sake of Henry II, and for the health of the souls of his father Hubert and his mother Grace.

The majority of the church dates from the late 13th century, though there is evidence of earlier work. The Priory buildings were constructed, at least in part, from stones derived from Hadrian's Wall, including a number of Roman inscriptions that were built into its fabric.

As the priory is close to Scotland it was a target for attacks in retaliation for English raids. This became acute after the outbreak of the Wars of Scottish Independence when in 1296 the Scottish army encamped at Lanercost after burning Hexham priory and Lambley nunnery. Similar raids from Wallace continued in the next year and led to calls for reprisals.

Lanercost Priory was dissolved in 1538 by Henry VIII, with the church building becoming the parish church. In the late 17th century, as the nave deteriorated, the congregation used just the north aisle. Ownership was given to the Dacre family, who later sold it to the Howards in the 18th century.

In 1847 the Priory was in a poor state of repair and the east end roof collapsed. In 1849, the church was in use again after a major restoration by Anthony Salvin. In the 1870s, there was further restoration by the Carlisle architect C. J. Ferguson.

In 1929, the Priory ruins were donated to the state and are in English Heritage care.