Hulne Priory facts for kids
Hulne Priory, also known as Hulne Friary or Hulne Abbey, is an ancient building in ruins. It was a home for a group of monks called the Carmelites, or 'Whitefriars'. They built it way back in 1240. The priory is located in Northumberland, England, near the town of Alnwick. People say the monks chose this spot because it looked a bit like Mount Carmel, where their group first started.
Today, you can still see many parts of the old priory. Stone statues of monks, carved in the 1700s, seem to watch over the ruins. Because the area was close to the border with Scotland, there was often fighting. This is why the priory had a strong wall around it. In the 1400s, a special tower called a pele tower was also built for defense. Later, during the time when monasteries were closed down, the powerful Percy family took control of Hulne Priory.
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History of Hulne Priory
How the Priory Started
A man named William II de Vesci helped bring the Carmelite monks to England. They came from the Crusader states, which were areas in the Middle East. He helped them set up Hulne Priory in 1240. The priory is about 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Alnwick.
Changes Over Time
The priory was originally built for monks to live and pray. But because of its location near the Scottish border, it needed strong defenses. The surrounding wall and the pele tower added in the 15th century show this need. When King Henry VIII closed down monasteries in the 1530s, Hulne Priory changed hands. The powerful Percy family, who owned nearby Alnwick Castle, took it over.
Location and Surroundings
Hulne Park
Hulne Priory is found inside Hulne Park. This is a very large park, covering thousands of acres, and it has a wall around it. The park belongs to the Duke of Northumberland. It is very close to Alnwick Castle, which is the Duke's main home.
What's in the Park?
Hulne Park was once a hunting park, and the Duke still uses it for shooting today. It has many different types of land, including woods, open moorland, and grassy areas. Alnwick's home farm is also located within the park. Besides the priory, you can find other interesting buildings here. There is the old gatehouse from Alnwick Abbey. There is also Brizlee Tower, which is a tall viewing tower. It was built in the 1780s in a style called Gothic Revival.
Visiting Hulne Priory
Public Access
Hulne Park is open to the public, but it's not like a regular tourist attraction. It doesn't have special visitor centers or shops. You can only enter the park on foot from the Alnwick side. Cars are not allowed inside.
What You Can See
Visitors can walk around and see the ruins of Hulne Priory. While Brizlee Tower is also in the park, it is usually not open for people to go inside. It's a quiet place to explore history and nature.
Hulne Priory in Movies
Hulne Priory has been used as a location for filming movies and TV shows.
- In the TV show Robin of Sherwood, it was used as the setting for Kirklees Abbey.
- Later, in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the priory was shown as Maid Marian's home.
Other Uses of the Priory
Today, Hulne Priory is sometimes used for special events. It is licensed for wedding ceremonies, so couples can get married there. It is also occasionally used as a place for live performances, like plays or concerts.
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