Lancaster Priory

Lancaster Priory stands in the centre of Lancaster beside Lancaster Castle. Built of sandstone with slate and lead roofs, it has a west tower, a four-bay nave, north and south aisles, and a four-bay chancel with a clerestory. The plan includes St Nicholas’ chapel at the north-east, St Thomas’ chapel at the south-east, and the King’s Own Regiment Memorial chapel on the north side. A south porch with crocketed pinnacles and an embattled parapet gives access to the nave. The priory’s history reaches back to a Roman fort and possible early church on the site. A Saxon church stood here from the sixth century, and a Benedictine priory was founded in 1094. After the Dissolution the building became a parish church in 1540. Major changes came in the 18th and 19th centuries, including a new tower in 1759, an organ installed by George Pike England, and restorations by Paley and Austin. Inside, oak choirstalls carved in 1340 carry misericords and modern embroidery panels. The pulpit dates from 1619, the font base from 1848, and three brass chandeliers from 1717. A replica of Cynibald’s cross stands near the south-west door, and the churchyard holds a Grade II sundial and memorials. Visitors find a continuous programme of services, civic events and concerts in a building that has stood for centuries.