Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

Heritage Site in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

Old signpost and milestone At the junction of Green Lane (A590) and Pease Close Lane — Old signpost and milestone Credit: Eirian Evans

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse, located in the village of Cartmel in Lancashire, is a historic heritage site that dates back to the 12th century. The gatehouse is the only remaining structure of the original Cartmel Priory, a medieval Augustinian foundation.

The gatehouse is an impressive stone structure that stands at the entrance to what was once a large monastic complex. It features a grand archway with a pointed Gothic arch, adorned with intricate carvings and decorative moldings. Above the archway, there is a large window with elegant tracery and stone mullions.

The gatehouse is a beautiful example of medieval architecture and is well-preserved, showcasing the craftsmanship and skill of the builders of that time. It is made of local limestone, which gives it a distinctive appearance.

Inside the gatehouse, there are a few remaining original features, including a vaulted ceiling and a spiral stone staircase that leads to an upper floor. Although the upper floor is no longer accessible to the public, it is believed to have served as living quarters for the gatekeeper.

The Cartmel Priory Gatehouse is a popular tourist attraction and is a significant part of the village's history. It stands as a reminder of the once-thriving monastic community that existed in Cartmel and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The gatehouse is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its architectural beauty and learn about its historical significance.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.2023/-2.9521 or Grid Reference SD3778. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old signpost and milestone

At the junction of Green Lane (A590) and Pease Close Lane

Eirian Evans

The Bigland road near Beck Side

Also known as Croftside, this is the minor road from Cartmel to Haverthwaite.

Adrian Taylor

Public footpath at Wall Nook

Beside the garden wall of Wall Nook Farm Cottage, this is the public footpath from Hill to Beck Side.

Adrian Taylor

Old kiln at Beck Side

This kiln is shown on the 1890 edition of the Ordnance Survey map as an old limekiln.

Adrian Taylor

Lane near Beck Side

The lane gives access to fields and is also a public bridleway from Beck Side to Wood Broughton.

Adrian Taylor

Track near Beck Side

The track a public bridleway from Beck Side to Wood Broughton. The gate marks the boundary between the civil parishes of Lower Allithwaite and Broughton East beyond the gate; it is also the boundary of the Lake District National Park.

Adrian Taylor

Lane near Beck Side

The lane is a public bridleway from Beck Side to Wood Broughton.

Adrian Taylor

Garden near Old House Wood

This commercial garden supplies produce for local restaurants.

Adrian Taylor

Field corner and stile

The stile is on the public footpath from Aynsome Manor to Hampsfield.

Adrian Taylor

View to Green Bank

View to Green Bank along a country road to the north of Cartmel.

Philip Halling

Cartmel Priory

The construction of Cartmel Priory began in c 1188. The priory church was saved from destruction by King Henry VIII, during the Reformation, because the villagers of Cartmel had nowhere else to worship. The village of Cartmel has, therefore, one of the finest churches in England. A rare example of a medieval monastic place of worship. The village contains relics of other monastic buildings, most significantly the priory gatehouse. As a consequence Cartmel is visited by tourists from all over the world.

George Ford