St Bees Priory, Norman church and former Benedictine priory in St Bees, England
St Bees Priory is a red sandstone Norman church with ornate arcades decorated with chevron carvings throughout its interior. The building houses medieval grave slabs spanning different periods and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, all functioning as an active parish church.
William de Meschin founded the Benedictine priory in 1120 as a dependency of St Mary's Abbey in York. The monastic establishment continued operating until its dissolution in 1539 during the Reformation.
The priory displays the Dragon Stone, a pre-Conquest artifact depicting St Michael defeating a dragon that once marked ancient parish boundaries. This carved stone remains an important symbol within the community today.
The priory functions as an active parish church and remains open during daylight hours, though access may be limited outside of service times. Visitors should check ahead if planning a detailed exploration, as special services or events may occasionally restrict general access.
Archaeological excavations in 1981 unearthed a male skeleton in a lead coffin with preserved liquid blood found in the chest cavity. This rare medical discovery continues to intrigue visitors exploring the site.
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