Kirby Bellars Priory

Kirby Bellars Priory is a medieval religious complex whose stone remains and earthworks are still visible across the site. The Parish Church of Saint Peter stands as the main surviving structure, with additional archaeological features preserved north of the churchyard.

Roger de Beler founded the complex in 1316 as a college for twelve priests, which Alice Beller converted into an Augustinian priory in 1359. A major fire in the early 1500s damaged the residential buildings, but the community rebuilt and maintained the site.

The priory was an important religious hub and oversaw multiple churches across the area, showing how far its spiritual reach extended. The community here formed part of a larger network of parishes and places of worship throughout Leicestershire.

The site is easy to explore on foot and offers clearly visible medieval structures that visitors can observe while walking around. It is helpful to spend time examining the earthworks and archaeological features scattered across the grounds, especially in the area north of the churchyard.

The community received church indulgences in 1511 to support restoration work following a major fire in the early 1500s. This practice reveals how spiritual rewards were used to encourage donations that financed the rebuilding of damaged structures.

Location: Kirby Bellars

GPS coordinates: 52.75820,-0.93807

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44