Ellerton Priory (Swaledale) facts for kids
Ellerton Priory was an old monastery in North Yorkshire, England. It was a home for Cistercian nuns, which are a type of Christian religious order. The ruins of this priory are located in a place called Ellerton Abbey, near the Swaledale valley.
History of Ellerton Priory
The exact start date of Ellerton Priory is a bit unclear. It was likely founded in the late 1100s. Different families, like the Egglescliffes or the Askes, might have helped start it.
In 1342, the priory faced a tough time. Raiders from Scotland attacked and badly damaged the buildings. They are said to have "razed and despoiled" the priory, meaning they destroyed and looted it.
Later, in 1536, King Henry VIII decided to close many monasteries in England. This event is known as the Dissolution of the monasteries. People working for the King came to inspect Ellerton Priory. The priory was officially closed in August of that year.
Today, the site of Ellerton Priory is very important. It is protected as a "scheduled Ancient Monument." This means it's a nationally important historical site. Parts of the priory are also "grade II listed," which means they are special old buildings.
The ruins of the priory are near the road between Richmond and Reeth. They are about a mile from another old monastery called Marrick Priory. The ruins include parts of the priory church, which was built in the 1400s. The church tower was rebuilt in the 1800s to look like a romantic ruin. Please note that you cannot visit the ruins as there is no public access.
Ellerton Abbey House and Its Owners
After the monasteries were closed, Ellerton Priory became private property. It was owned by several different people over the years. In the 1690s, a rich man named Colonel Henry Drax bought it. He was a wealthy sugar planter from Barbados.
His nephew, Thomas Shatterden, inherited the property. He changed his last name to Drax to follow the will. Thomas's oldest son was Henry Drax (born around 1693). Henry became a Member of Parliament, which is like being a representative in the government. He was also a favorite of the Prince of Wales. Henry Drax married Elizabeth Ernle. Her family owned a large estate called Charborough House. Today, Richard Drax, who is also a Member of Parliament, lives at Charborough House. He is a descendant of Henry Drax.
