Much Wenlock's religious community began in 680 by Anglo-Saxon nobles, and the daughter Milburga became an abbess and was later a saint. In 1044, the community was associated with French monastary of Cluny with the saint Milburga and St. Michael. It became a place of pilgrimage due to the location of bones thought to be of the saint Milburga. The success of the monastary was hindered due to its connection with France after years of conflict between England and France. High taxes were imposed at Wenlock, and they struggled. Today, the ruins can be visited, and they are managed by English Heritage. The stones were used in other buildings after the dissolution of the monastaries, although the infirmary and prior's house was turned into a private residence and can be viewed from the grounds.
Much of the site can be viewed from the western side near where I am standing below. This is where the audio tour started.
There is a collection of sculptued topiary on the opposite side: birds, squirrels, beavers, and hens. This would have been the cloisters. It marks some peaceful gardens with some flower beds today.
The lavabo is probably the most unique feature of the site as it contains carvings on the sides. The lavabo is a basin where the monks washed their hands. It is in the cloisters.
The chapter house is located off of the cloisters with three large sculpted arched doors.
The chapter house interior is located below and contains some sculptured stonework.
The private residence, which was the prior's home and infirmary, can be glimpsed next door.
Back outside the three sculptured arches and to the side is a small room that is fenced off but can be peered inside. This is where the books would have been stored.
Next to this is the church itself, spanning a large area. Only a section remains, but visitors can see where the columns used to stand to get an idea of the layout.
The end of the site in the distance is where the bones were located and is said to have been the site of miracles.
From the far end of the location where this chapel used to stand, I looked back at the site.
Off to the right was a wonderful patch of primroses in different colours growing on the bank.
The remains of a crypt could be seen next to the ruins, but it's only a small area below the ground and open to the elements.
I really enjoyed my visit to Wenlock Priory and appreciated that the beauty of the ruins had been kept in the gardens and with the unique features of the site.
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