Wenlock Priory Visit

After the Wrekin walk it was still only early afternoon. We aren't accustomed to early morning starts as a rule. As an alternative to the pub we paid a visit to Much Wenlock some twelve miles away to combine a couple of pints with the Priory visit.  

Kitted out with those 'listening in type jigger things' ( audio history commentary) I believe is the correct terminology, we are off and running. There is a a definite tranquil feel about Wenlock Priory. The sun has come out and it is a beautiful setting. I suppose I should give you a little history about it really.  

An Anglo-Saxon monastery was founded here in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia, whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously re-discovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrims and prosperity to the priory.

The monastery church was rebuilt between the late 12th and mid 13th-Centuries. The monastery was dissolved on January 26th 1540 courtesy of King Henry VIII, one of the most revolutionary events in English history. 

Norman chapter house, built around 1140 as the "business" centre of the monastery, where the monks and the prior met each morning to discuss affairs, and administer punishments for disobedience. you can still see much of its elaborate stone carving, with interlocking round arches on multiple carved columns. 

 

The Cloister Garden is a calming  place, packed with topiary carvings and a cottage garden.    

 

The lavabo was used by monks to wash their hands before eating, it was built in 1220 and includes some of an earlier lavabo from around 1160-1180 including carved panels. The panel in the left picture shows John with his hand on his chin with another unknown apostle. A a sort of communal washing fountain, built in the middle of the 12th century.

It has been a fascinating visit particularly on such a calm and  sunny afternoon. A place where I feel I could sit for hours, just taking in the splendour of how it once must have looked.

There is still time to take a wander up into Much Wenlock and enjoy the sights of the picturesque market town. Some great old shops too, including a bookshop where I picked up a missing 'Arnaldur Indriðason' for my collection. I'm a huge fan of the Icelandic Author. A couple of pints at the Talbot Inn went down particularly well too !

Sadly it is time to move on to pastures new. We have to find a new place to camp ahead of tomorrow's adventure of course.We are heading off in the direction of Ironbridge, on the bank of the River Severn.