Name: Monk Bretton Priory
Rating: 5.0

Monk Bretton Priory

Abbey Lane, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S71 5QD, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Monk Bretton Priory On the edge of Barnsley stand the substantial remains of Monk Bretton Priory, a Cluniac monastery founded in the 12th century. Today visitors can see the unusually well-marked ground plan, the almost complete west range and the 15th century gatehouse.

The substantial ruins of Monk Bretton Priory, near Barnsley, are now edged by housing estates and industrial developments. When the monastery was built, however, the site in the wooded valley of the River Dearne was peaceful and remote.

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.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Monk Bretton Priory: The substantial ruins of Monk Bretton Priory, near Barnsley, are now edged by housing estates and industrial developments. When the monastery was built, however, the site in the wooded valley of the River Dearne was peaceful and remote.
Founded in about 1154 by a local landowner, Adam Fitzswaine, it was a daughter house of the rich Cluniac priory at Pontefract. But within 50 years bitter quarrels – at times even involving gang warfare – had broken out between the two houses, as Pontefract sought to retain direct control of Monk Bretton. The dispute was only resolved in 1281, when Monk Bretton seceded from the Cluniac Order and became a Benedictine house.
The later history of Monk Bretton was, in comparison, uneventful. The priory owned properties across South Yorkshire, with rights over five parish churches, and worked coal and ironstone in the Barnsley area. In 1295 it housed 13 monks and a prior; there was exactly the same number at its closure in November 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
After 1538 the priory was swiftly plundered for usable building materials: the north aisle of the church, for example, was dismantled and reconstructed as the parish church of Wentworth (though this was itself demolished in the late 18th century). The bells and church plate were taken to London and melted down.
In 1589 the estate was bought by William Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and the west range of the cloister was converted into a country house for his son Henry. The priory site changed hands several times over later centuries, before being placed in state guardianship in 1932.
Description: Little remains of the church, although there are several particularly fine examples of medieval grave slabs. Some of these still retain lead lettering set into the stone; others are decorated with beautifully incised crosses.
The cloister buildings are better preserved. They include the high south wall of the monks’ refectory, with its two great windows; parts of the chapterhouse; and the west range which is almost complete. This range shows extensive evidence of the conversion work undertaken in the 1580s. It was used as a residence until the late 19th century, which is how it survived.

Facilities

Parking: There is limited space for parking at the site.
Food & Drinks: Nearby Brodsworth Hall has shop and a tearoom.
Toilets: Nearby Brodsworth Hall has toilets.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Opening Times: 10am - 3pm daily, closed 24-26 December and 1 January.

Address: Abbey Lane, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S71 5QD, UK

Post Code: S71 5QD

Council: Barnsley

County: Barnsley

Road Access: Located 1 mile east of Barnsley town centre, off A633.
Bus Access: Stagecoach services 26, 26A, 28, 29, 29A, 30, 30A, 32 & X28; Tates 34A; Redline 32A, 37, 37A, 38 & 46 all to Cundy Cross from whence it is a short walk.
Train Access: Barnsley 2 1⁄2 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is limited space for parking at the site.