| Summary : The standing and buried remains of St Katherine's Priory, Polsloe, a Benedictine nunnery founded before 1159 and dissolved in 1539. The standing remains of the west range of the cloister take the form of a free-standing, rectangular two-storeyed building, Listed Grade II*. This building represents the extent of the main part of the west range which was in existence until circa 1300. The fabric of this structure, mainly local breccia, is visible in the east end of the present north wall, and as a plinth. In circa 1300 the west range was rebuilt, mainly in local sandstone. Most of the fabric of the existing structure dates to this period. The ground floor of the range was occupied by a storeroom with a parlour in the northern bay. The first floor provided accommodation and a garderobe. This structure was converted into a community centre in 1980. The buried remains of the priory church occupy a slightly elevated position at the northern end of the site. The remains of the cloister garth are located adjacent to the south side of the church which was enlarged after 1300. The east range originated as a long narrow building about 41 metres by 7 metres. The sacristy and chapter house would have been located in this range with the nuns dorter on the upper floor. The southern end of the west range was progressively extended by a sequence of kitchen buildings, and the area between the east and west ranges, bordered to the north by the south range containing the refectory, appears to have been enclosed as a garden. After the reconstruction of circa 1300 the east range was widened to 10 metres, the west range extended with rebuilt kitchens, and the south range moved southwards to accommodate a larger cloister. The area to the north east of the church was traditionally occupied by the monastic burial ground. Part excavation has revealed burials to the east of the church, and within the church, cloister, sacristy, and chapter house. Scheduled. |
More information : [SX 9411 9381] Polsloe Priory remains of (NAT) St. Katherine's Priory
(NR) (Benedictine Nuns)(NAT) (1)
St. Katherine's Prior (Benedictine Nuns) at Polsloe was founded before 1160 by William, Lord Brewer.
Lay-sisters are recorded in the 14th century and the priory was said
to be in great proverty in 1327. In 1347, after the death of the
prioress, 16 members of the community elected her successor. The
house was surrendered in 1538, and the prioress and 13 nuns were
granted pensions. In 1553, 7 nuns were still on the pension. The
existing, 13th century and later, two storey building of red brick
with a pantiled roof represents part of the west range of domestic
priory buildings. Excavations in 1930 and 1978 have revealed the
disposition of the main ranges of buildings. (2-4)
Polsloe Priory, Grade II*, Beacon Lane. Remains of St. Katherine's
Priory of which the Church was probably 12th century. (For full
description see list.) (5)
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