Woodspring Priory, Medieval priory in Kewstoke, England.
Woodspring Priory is a medieval monastic complex in Kewstoke with buildings that once served as a church, infirmary, barn, and prior's dwelling scattered across the grounds. The site occupies land near a limestone headland, and several of its structures retain their original stone walls and architectural features.
William de Courtney founded this community in 1201 for a specific religious order known as the Victorine Canons, who maintained their presence there for around three centuries. The religious community came to an end in the 1530s when the English king dissolved the monasteries across the realm.
The site was home to religious communities for centuries before being converted into a working farm, a transformation you can sense while walking through the grounds. Local people have maintained connections to this place through generations, treating it as part of their regional heritage.
The National Trust manages the grounds, and you can rent the converted farmhouse through the Landmark Trust if you wish to stay overnight. The site has open access to its buildings and grounds, though weather and ground conditions may affect your visit, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
Excavations at the site uncovered decorative floor tiles dating to the 14th century that had been laid over burial coffins beneath them. This discovery provided rare insight into how people organized burials within the priory's sacred spaces.
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