Name: Finchale Priory
Rating: 5.0

Finchale Priory

Finchale Priory, Finchale Avenue, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, County Durham DH1 5SH, UK

1-99 Years

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Finchale Priory On the banks of the River Wear, in a beautiful wooded setting, stand the extensive remains of Finchale Priory. It was founded in 1196 on the site of the hermitage of St Godric, a retired sailor and merchant, who settled here after a life of adventure and travel. The priory was an outpost of Durham Cathedral and functioned as a holiday retreat for the monks of Durham until its suppression in 1538.

The story of Finchale can be read in its surviving remains, from St Godric's original church and tomb through the 13th century priory and its later rebuilding. Finchale Priory (pronounced ‘finkle’) owes its origin to St Godric, a colourful figure born about 1070 who, after years of travel as a sailor, merchant and pilgrim, felt called to the solitary life. He eventually settled at Finchale, where he lived to the ripe old age of about 100. Some 25 years after his death, his hermitage became a priory. By the mid 14th century this was serving as a holiday home for monks from Finchale’s parent monastery, Durham.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

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History of Finchale Priory: Finchale Priory (pronounced ‘finkle’) owes its origin to St Godric, a colourful figure born about 1070 who, after years of travel as a sailor, merchant and pilgrim, felt called to the solitary life. He eventually settled at Finchale, where he lived to the ripe old age of about 100. Some 25 years after his death, his hermitage became a priory. By the mid 14th century this was serving as a holiday home for monks from Finchale’s parent monastery, Durham.
Finchale’s story can be read in its surviving remains, from St Godric’s original church and tomb to the Durham monks’ rural retreat.
Godric’s early life: According to his biographer, the monk Reginald of Durham, Godric was born at Walpole in Norfolk into a poor family. He became a travelling pedlar at an early age, and soon became a sailor and successful merchant, trading with Scotland, Denmark and Flanders.
Godric at Finchale: In late 1112 or 1113, while he was living in Durham, Godric heard of Finchale, a few miles downstream on the river Wear, and with the approval of the landowner, the Bishop of Durham, he settled there. His first hermitage was probably a mile or so upriver from Finchale – a spot now known as St Godric’s Garth – but he soon moved to the site where the ruins of Finchale Priory now stand. He was to remain there for the last 60 years of his life.
Godric the songwriter: Godric had a perhaps unexpected gift for music. Four songs written by him are the oldest songs written in English for which the original music survives.
A new priory: After Godric’s death the Durham community sent two monks, Reginald and Henry, to occupy his hermitage. In effect, Finchale became a small, subordinate monastery of Durham. In 1196 it became a priory in its own right when the monks of Durham persuaded Henry du Puiset, son of Bishop Hugh du Puiset of Durham, to endow it with possessions he had previously bestowed on another monastery.
A holiday home: During the first half of the 14th century many monasteries in northern England were reduced in size, mainly because of the loss of income brought about by years of warfare between the English and the Scots. There seem to have been only five or so monks living at Finchale, and its buildings were in a poor state.
Decay and rediscovery: We know little about what happened to the buildings after Finchale Priory was suppressed in 1538. Some parts remained in use, but most fell into ruin. Robbed stone from the priory buildings can be seen in nearby farm buildings.

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Parking: There is a car park on site, managed by the neighbouring caravan park. This is not managed by English Heritage. Maximum stay is 2 hours. A charge of £4 applies.

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Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/finchale-priory/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily: 10am-5pm from end of March until October and 10am-4pm in the Winter.

Address: Finchale Priory, Finchale Avenue, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, County Durham DH1 5SH, UK

Post Code: DH1 5SH

Council: County Durham

County: County Durham

Road Access: 3 miles north-east of Durham; on minor road off A167.
Bus Access: Arriva/Scarlet Band service 62 from Durham to HMP Frankland and then a short walk. Not available on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Train Access: Durham 5 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a car park on site, managed by the neighbouring caravan park. This is not managed by English Heritage. Maximum stay is 2 hours. A charge of £4 applies.