 White Ladies Priory
Way off the beaten track, and almost hidden by surrounding woodland,
lie the fragmented remains of a 12th century Augustinian priory church.
The Norman church, although simply constructed with an aisleless
main body and no chapels in the transepts, was built in the Romanesque
style and some of this beautifully carved detail still exists.
Little is known of the history
of White Ladies Priory, but it appears to have been relatively uneventful during
its life as a modest convent. Unfortunately, there is no trace
of the domestic buildings, and the large, timber-framed house that was built
on the site during the 16th century has also been completely destroyed.
However, because of its legendary
connections with Charles II it will, hopefully, never be forgotten. It
was in 1651 that Charles took refuge in the house adjoining White Ladies Priory
church, and made plans for his escape to London. About a mile up the lane
stands the restored and refurbished Boscobel House,
where Charles also stayed briefly, and in whose grounds stood the famous old oak tree.
Although there is very little
to see of the original White Ladies Priory, it is a poignant reminder of the
quiet, uneventful life of the medieval nuns, in contrast to the scene
of one of the most famous events in history. Propped up against
the north wall of the church presbytery is yet another solemn reminder of
those memorable encounters - engraved headstones of the Penderel family
of Boscobel.
If intending to visit White
Ladies Priory, we would strongly recommend that a guided tour of
Boscobel House
is undertaken beforehand, which is both fascinating and helpful
with placing the historical events in context. |
