Lenton Priory

Lenton Priory is a medieval monastery ruin near central Nottingham, with remains that include a stone column standing on grass grounds close to the Queens Medical Centre. The archaeological site covers a significant area though much of it lies beneath modern development and surrounding fields.

Founded in 1108 by William Peveril, constable of Nottingham Castle, this Cluniac monastery grew to become one of the richest religious institutions in the region. The community thrived for centuries before declining in the later medieval period.

The priory served as a major religious hub that controlled churches, mills, and fisheries across multiple counties in the region. This economic power made it one of the most influential institutions in medieval Nottinghamshire.

The site sits beside a busy road near a hospital, so it is best visited on foot and approached carefully from the pavement. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be more pleasant due to lighter traffic and better lighting for viewing the remains.

In 1250, monks from the community armed themselves and raided Tideswell parish to steal wool and lambs, an audacious scheme that landed them in legal trouble. This unusual incident reveals that monastic life was not always as pious as it appeared.

Location: City of Nottingham

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 52.94350,-1.17899

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07