Nun Appleton Priory

Nun Appleton Priory is a former religious community site in Appleton Roebuck set within an expansive parkland estate. The remains include a three-story brick hall with decorative stone details and grounds that stretch across the property.

The priory was founded in 1101 as a religious community for nuns and operated for over four centuries before its closure during the Dissolution of Monasteries under Henry VIII in the 1530s. This period saw the end of monastic life at the site.

The grounds gained literary recognition when poet Andrew Marvell wrote about them while serving as tutor to a general's daughter, capturing the landscape in his verses. His work became associated with this place through these detailed observations of the estate.

The cemetery associated with the priory remains accessible to visitors and is located near other local churchyards in the area. The site is set within countryside, so planning your visit accordingly will help you make the most of exploring these historic grounds.

Composer William Baines created several piano pieces inspired by the grounds in the early 1900s, extending the site's connection to the arts. These compositions represent a musical dimension to the place's cultural legacy.

Location: Appleton Roebuck

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 53.85250,-1.15611

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06