 Brinkburn Priory
An Augustinian priory was founded on this site in the early 1130s, colonised
with monks from Norfolk. Some 50 years later, Brinkburn Priory became an independent
house, and the building of the monastic church commenced.
Early history of Brinkburn Priory is scant, but it was never a wealthy
house, suffering damage and losses as a result of the Scottish Wars. In
1536 it was dissolved, and by the beginning of the 17th century the church
had fallen into a poor state of disrepair. Before the end of the century,
the roof had eventually collapsed, regular services were abandoned, and
the site was deserted.
Then, in 1858, a major restoration
programme was undertaken by the Cadogan family, the owners of the property
at that time. With its new roof, stained glass windows and floor tiles,
Brinkburn Priory today represents a very sympathetic Victorian restoration
of the original medieval church, and the work was completed within eight
years. Through the squat Norman north doorway, beautifully carved and
moulded, the church reveals a deceptive loftiness. Slender columns soar
upwards to form elegant arches, and three tiers of lancet windows span
the narrow width of the east end. Sparsely decorated, with the internal
walls showing unfaced brickwork, Brinkburn Priory emits an air of dignity
and solemnity.
Apart from a few fragments of claustral buildings, little evidence of
the working monastery survives, and even the cloister paving is modern.
Now standing on the site of the west range, if indeed there ever was one,
is an early 19th century manor house incorporating part of the vaulted
undercroft to the monks dining hall.
On a sloping site beside the River Coquet, Brinkburn Priory is one of
Northumberland's little treasures, almost buried in the densely wooded
valley. Although church services and concerts are held here on occasion,
most of the time the site is a wonderfully tranquil place for reflecting
on the lifestyle of those early monks. |
