674
Land is bequeathed to St. Cuthbert by King Egfrith of Northumbria. First church established and dedicated to St. Michael.
A story 800 years in the writing,
still being written today.
History
A place of legends, myths and stories. With a history and heritage dating back centuries, it’s safe to say Cartmel Priory has many a story to tell. Steeped in history and rich with culture, the church has undergone bouts of expansion, ruin and transformation to get to where it is today.
The earliest mention of Cartmel in historical records occurs almost 500 years before the foundations of Cartmel Priory were laid, when in around 680 AD the monks of Lindisfarne took ownership of the land. This Christian era remained until 1189 when William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, founded Cartmel Priory.
The Priory was saved at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the early 1530s, owing to William Marshall being granted an altar in one of the Priory’s chapels. The villagers protested that the Priory was in fact their parish church, and so it remains.
To explore more of the Priory’s fascinating history, below is a timeline of some major moments in the history of Cartmel Priory, from its early beginnings right through to the present day.
1189
Cartmel Priory is founded
by William Marshal.
1219
William Marshal dies and is buried as a
Knight Templar at Temple Church, London.
1250
The Priory is built except for the second stage of the tower, east window and the extended nave.
1281
The Priory is visited by the Archbishop of York to sort out discipline problems.
1322
The Priory’s property is damaged by a rampaging Robert the Bruce.
1330-1350
The Town Choir is extended and the Harrington Tomb set in place.
1390
The Priory is described in a Papal Bull as ‘ruinous’.
1400 - 1440
Buildings are moved from the south side to the north side due to subsidence.
Mid 1400's
The second stage bell tower and the three-bay nave added. Great east window and misericords installed.
1537
Henry VIII dissolves the monasteries. The Priory monks are expelled and the King’s commissioners remove all assets, even stripping the roof lead. Villagers petition the King to spare the church. Four monks and 10 laymen are hung, drawn and quartered at Lancaster for treason.
1618 - 1630
Chancel reroofed, carved oak screens and canopies added over monks stalls by George Preston.
1623
Famine and starvation strikes Cartmel. Many people die.
1643
28th November – Cromwell’s men bivouac in the Priory causing damage, especially to the organ.
1676
A new vestry is built, bringing the east wall in line with that of the chancel and Town Choir.
1827 - 1870
Following much neglect, the Priory is extensively restored. Galleries are demolished, plaster ceiling and the three-deck pulpit removed. Triforium arches are opened up again.
1867
New organ installed in the Town Choir.
1932
New altar and reredos installed.
1934
First electric lights installed.
1988-1989
The bell frame is replaced and new bells added.
2015
Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Festival - Five days of celebration and medieval festivities in and around the Priory to mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.
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