More information : (TQ 004726) Remains of (NAT) Priory (NR) (Benedictine Nuns) (NAT). (1)
Ankerwycke - 'A priory for Benedictine nuns founded c1160, dissolved 1536. (2)
Nunnery, ruins at Ankerwycke; the 13thc building with 15thc additions was apparently of two storeys. The remains consist of E-W walling about 10' high with short sections of wall, standing at right angles at both ends. There are five window openings. (3)
Founded by Gilbert de Muntfichet, Lord of Wyrardisbury; dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. The name of Ankerwick is not found in Domesday; it suggests that the priory was built on the site of an ancient hermitage. (4)
The remains of the nunnery as described above. The walling, 1.2m thick is of chalk random rubble, the dressings are of chalk and sandstone. In poor condition and crumbling. (See ground photographs).
To the SE, are two fishponds, waterfilled and in fair condition, at TQ 00477262 and TQ 00467257. S of the ruins is a shallow depression 14.0m in width, and up to 1.5m in depth, running N-S for 110.0m. At the N end it turns W and again N through two right-angled bends and terminates after a further 60.0m, to the W of the nunnery. The purpose of the work was not ascertained. Published 1:2500 revised. (5)
TQ 004726. Ankerwycke Nunnery, Wyradisbury - Scheduled 191. (6)
The 12th century site of Ankerwycke Priory was surveyed by RCHME staff in 1993 at the request of Berkshire County Council.
The main features are located centrally on a square platform 60m by 60m. The platform incorporates a ruined building in the NE corner, thought to be the remnant of the priory.
Along with this are a series of shallow earthworks presumably a continuation of the building range, which forms an alignment with the standing structure and on the W and S sides are similar traces of former structures. A circular feature 8m in diameter has been enclosed within the building complex.
Surveyed by the RCHME. For further information on the site see archive report. (7) |