Cartmel Priory Gatehouse facts for kids
The Cartmel Priory Gatehouse is a very old and important building located in the village of Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria, England. It's a special historical site and is looked after by the National Trust, an organization that protects historic places and natural beauty.
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What is the Cartmel Priory Gatehouse?
The Cartmel Priory Gatehouse is a medieval building, meaning it was built a very long time ago, around the year 1330. It was once the main entrance to the Cartmel Priory, which was a large religious house for Augustinian monks. Today, the gatehouse and the church are the only parts of the original priory that still stand.
A Glimpse into History
The Cartmel Priory itself was founded even earlier, in 1190. For many years, the gatehouse served as the grand entrance to this important monastic site. However, in 1536, a big change happened across England. This was called the Reformation, and many monasteries, including Cartmel Priory, were closed down. Most of the priory buildings were torn down, but the gatehouse was lucky.
Why Did It Survive?
The gatehouse survived because it had a different job by then. It was being used as a courthouse for the local area, known as the Manor of Cartmel. Because it was still useful, it was saved from being demolished. Experts describe it as a fantastic example of a medieval gatehouse from a monastery.
From School to Museum
Over the centuries, the Cartmel Priory Gatehouse had many different uses:
- 1624 to 1790: It became a grammar school, where young people learned. Imagine going to school in such an old and historic building!
- 1923: The gatehouse was turned into a museum. It hosted exhibitions and meetings, sharing its history with visitors.
- 1946: It was given to the National Trust, who have cared for it ever since.
Visiting the Gatehouse Today
By 2011, the gatehouse was mostly used as a private home. However, a special part of the building called the "Great Room" is still opened to the public on certain days each year. This allows people to step inside and experience a piece of medieval history.
