Architecture

A place of discovery around every corner.

There are many unique features that make the Priory what it is today, found both inside and outside the church. The unique square belfry tower constructed diagonally across the original tower is the only one like it in the UK, and original pieces of art by international sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos can be found throughout the church.

The oldest parts of the Priory are the chancel, transepts, the south doorway, and part of the north wall of the nave. The door in the south west corner of the Priory is known as Cromwell’s door, and is still marked with bullet holes said to have been the result of indignant villagers who opened fire on Oliver Cromwell’s Roundhead troops, when they stabled their horses in the nave.

The large and beautiful east window, which almost fills the east wall, still retains 15th century stained glass, containing medieval glass fragments that were painstakingly pieced together.

The ancient choir stalls, parts of which date from around 1450, also fortunately still survive, with unique misericord seating. They probably replaced the medieval backs that had been damaged after the Dissolution, and still remains in day-to-day use in services today.