Davington Priory

Davington Priory is a medieval building in Faversham with an L-shaped form, constructed from stone and flint on the ground level with a timber-framed upper section topped by four gables. The structure sits within grounds that include gardens, woodland, and open pasture areas.

The priory was founded in 1153 as a Benedictine convent for nuns and unusually survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries when its final resident nun died naturally in 1535. This escape from destruction allowed the building to endure and be preserved through the centuries.

The priory's layout with its parlour, library, and cloister spaces reveals how the religious community organized daily life here. Walking through these rooms, you notice how they were designed for both work and quiet reflection.

The site covers a large property, so it helps to allow time to explore all the areas comfortably, including the gardens and wooded sections. The open grounds offer multiple paths, and you can walk at your own pace.

An artist named Thomas Willement wove medieval stained glass patterns into newly designed windows during the 19th-century restoration. This blend of old and new glass work gives the windows a special character that catches the light in unexpected ways.