Mount Grace Priory |
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Although Mount Grace Priory is just a short drive from the grand ruins of the Cistercian Fountains Abbey, it depicts the contrasting simplicity and austerity of life at this well-preserved former priory of the Carthusian Order of monks.
Mount Grace was founded in 1398 by Thomas de Holland, the Earl of Kent, and was one of only nine such charterhouses which were ever established. Set against the wooded walled garden with a garderobe or primitive toilet at the far end. The diverted spring would have been channeled past these privvies and the remains of this primitive plumbing still project through the garden walls on the north side.
Some of the best preserved remains are parts of the small church with its battlemented tower. It would have been used for communal worship on Sundays and rare religious feast days.
Like most monastic communities, the priory was dissolved in 1539 under Henry VIII's act and the site lay unused for almost a century before the original 14th century guest hall was converted into a long manor house by Thomas Lascelles in 1654. He added the two-storey porch which can still be seen above the doorway.
The site now has some well laid-out gardens which are a haven for wildlife. Geese, ducks and stoats are likely to be seen going about their business beneath the trees in this grassy area. The original Guest Hall now provides an interesting exhibition centre about the way of life which was part of the Carthusian Chapterhouse.
Mount Grace is an ideal place to visit as part of a gentle two-mile walk from the nearby village of Osmotherly. Start and finish with lunch or refreshments at one of the three local pubs in the village which are all noted for their good food and local ales.
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
1st April - 30th September: Thursday - Monday 10.00 - 18.00 1st - 31st October: Thursday - Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 1st November - 23rd December: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00pm. 24th - 30th December and 1st January: Closed 2nd January - 31st March: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Adult £5.00; Child £3.00; Concession £4.50; Family £13.00
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Directions
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Location: 6 miles north east of Northallerton, mile east of A19 and mile south of its junction with A172. Cycling: View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website. Ordnance Survey Reference: 99:SE449985 |
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Mount Grace Priory Postcode for SatNav: DL6 3JG |
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