Kirkham Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kirkham Priory |
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| Location | Kirkham, North Yorkshire |
| Nearest city | York |
| Built | 12th century |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Kirkham Priory | |
| Designated | 11 February 1987 |
| Reference no. | 1149116 |
| Official name: Kirkham Priory Augustinian monastery: monastic precinct, three fishponds, and precinct boundary | |
| Designated | 9 October 1981 |
| Reference no. | 1014024 |
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The Kirkham Priory is a set of ancient ruins located in North Yorkshire, England. It sits right by the River Derwent in a place called Kirkham. This priory was founded in the 1120s by a powerful lord named Walter l'Espec. He was also involved in building another famous place, Rievaulx Abbey.
Kirkham Priory was a home for Augustinian monks. These monks followed the rules of Saint Augustine. A popular story says that Walter l'Espec built the priory to remember his only son. His son supposedly died nearby after his horse was scared by a wild boar.
The priory was closed down on December 8, 1539. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed many monasteries across England. Much later, during World War II, the area around the priory was used for secret military training. Even Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister, visited here. Today, the ruins are a Grade I listed site and a scheduled monument. English Heritage now takes care of them.
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Exploring Kirkham Priory
Kirkham Priory is a fascinating historical site. It shows us what life was like many centuries ago. It also played a secret role in a major world event.
The Priory's Beginnings
The priory was established in the 1120s by Walter l'Espec. He was a wealthy and important lord. He chose this peaceful spot by the river for the new monastery. The Augustinian monks who lived here dedicated their lives to prayer and study. They also helped the local community.
The legend about Walter l'Espec's son adds a touching story to the priory's founding. It suggests a personal reason behind its creation. For over 400 years, Kirkham Priory was an active religious center. However, its time came to an end in 1539. King Henry VIII decided to close all monasteries in England. This was a huge change for the country.
The Amazing Gatehouse
One of the most impressive parts of Kirkham Priory is its Gatehouse. It was built around 1290 to 1295. This gatehouse is a rare example of old English Gothic architecture. It's like a grand entrance to a medieval castle.
The gatehouse has a wide, arched doorway. Above the arch, you can see amazing stone carvings. On the left, there's a sculpture of St George and the Dragon. On the right, you can see David and Goliath. These are famous stories carved in stone. Higher up, there's a carving of Christ. Below him are two figures in special niches: St Bartholomew and St Philip.
You can also spot many "coats of arms" carved into the stone. These are like old family logos. They show the symbols of important families who gave money or land to help the priory. These include the arms of families like de Ros, Scrope, and Espec. The Espec family arms even show three cart-wheels!
Arms of Scrope
Arms of de Forz
Arms of de Clare
Arms of de Ros
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Kirkham Priory's Secret War Role
During World War II, Kirkham Priory played a very important and secret role. It became a training ground for the D-Day landings. D-Day was a massive invasion that happened on June 6, 1944. It was the largest attack by sea in history.
Soldiers used the priory grounds to prepare for this huge event. Units like the British 11th Armoured Division trained here. Drivers practiced moving tanks, jeeps, and other military vehicles. They also tested special waterproof materials. These materials would help their equipment work after landing on beaches.
The troops used the high walls of the priory's Western Cloister. They practiced climbing scrambling nets. These were the same nets they would use to get from large transport ships into smaller landing craft during the actual invasion.
The training at Kirkham was so important that top leaders visited. Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George VI came to the priory in secret. They wanted to see the preparations for themselves. This shows just how vital Kirkham's role was in getting ready for D-Day.
