 Monk Bretton Priory
Once standing in the seclusion of a wooded valley, Monk Bretton Priory has
somehow managed to retain an air of dignity and tranquillity within
the crumbling walls that offer some protection from 21st century urbanisation
and industrial intrusion. At the time of its foundation c1154, Monk Bretton Priory was a Cluniac monastery colonised from nearby Pontefract. After years of rivalry, competing
for supremacy and status, Monk Bretton Priory finally broke away from Pontefract
in 1281 and became an independent Benedictine house. Apart from a severe
fire towards the end of the 14th century, Monk Bretton Priory settled
into a remarkably uneventful phase until the time of Dissolution.
As a relatively small house
of between 11 and 13 monks, Monk Bretton Priory survived until 1538 when, in November,
it was surrendered to Henry VIII. Stripped of all valuable assets, and
part of the church being dismantled and re-erected at Wentworth, the monastery
stood neglected until the latter part of the 16th century. Bought by the
Earl of Shrewsbury in 1589, Monk Bretton Priory was given to his fourth son,
Henry Talbot, as a wedding present. Henry converted the prior's lodging,
together with several other buildings along the south and west claustral
ranges, to create a home for him and his new wife. Passing through several
generations, it was eventually purchased by Barnsley Council in the 1930s.
Today the visitor still enters
the site through the remains of the late 14th century gatehouse, though
many of the monastic buildings survive only at foundation level. The
first monastic church measured just 170ft (51.5m) long with four aisled nave
bays, but this was much extended by the end of the 15th century. A few
low sandstone walls, indicating the transepts and chancel of Monk Bretton Priory
church, are all that now survive. As a result of the residential conversion,
incorporating a good deal of the original monastic structure, the south
wall of the refectory remains standing to a good height, and even two
of the beautiful windows still exist. Parts of the west range also remain
remarkably intact. Though fine detail and carved stonework is less prominent
throughout the ruinous site, there are some examples to be found of
the skilled craftsmanship employed in the creation of Monk Bretton Priory.
A surprisingly sophisticated drainage system existed during monastic
times, and much of this has been splendidly preserved.
Though the surrounding environment
may appear rather urban, and heavily residential, do not be dissuaded from
a visit. Look beyond the obvious modernity to focus on the meaning of
these medieval priory stones. It is amazing how evocative the ruins of
Monk Bretton Priory appear against the backdrop of Barnsley. |
