Wenlock Priory Much Wenlock

Wenlock Priory, Much Wenlock

Sculpture on the base of the lavabo where monks washed their hands before meals. — Sculpture on the base of the lavabo where monks washed their hands before meals

Wenlock Priory in the village of Much Wenlock in Shropshire dates to the 12th century. Now ruined, the priory was dissolved in 1540, with many of the buildings destroyed at the time. The site is now managed by English Heritage. The spacious grounds contain a collection of topiary.

History & Architecture

The original Saxon monastery was founded back in the late 7th century by Merewalh, a king of a small sub-kingdom of Mercia.

Merewalh's daughter Milburga was the monastery's second abbess, and later became a saint. At the time the monastery accommodated both monks and nuns.

After the Norman conquest of 1066, the Norman lord Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, refounded the abbey as a Cluniac monastery in 1086. The event is recorded in the Domesday Book. Monks were brought over from France to populate the abbey.

The Cluniacs originate from the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny in France founded in the 10th century. Cluniac monks devoted themselves to almost perpetual prayer. They did not, on the whole, practice frugality, instead ate well and wore the finest silk vestments.

The cloister garden at Wenlock Priory. — The cloister garden at Wenlock Priory

In 1101, bones believed to be of Saint Milburga were found at the original nuns' church and the monastery soon became an important place of pilgrimage. The bones were transferred to the main monastery church.

The South Transept is now the best-preserved part of the former church. Much of the original Norman Chapter House can also still be seen.

The present village of Much Wenlock grew around around the priory. The well of St Milburga in the village is named after the saint.

The carving shows Christ calling for his disciples to become fishers of men. — The carving shows Christ calling for his disciples to become "fishers of men"

Dissolution

The monastery was dissolved in 1540 and quickly fell into ruin. It is now run by English Heritage.

Remains of the Chapter House at Wenlock Priory. — Remains of the Chapter House at Wenlock Priory

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Remains of the North Transept at Wenlock Priory. — Remains of the North Transept at Wenlock Priory

Information & Hours

5 Sheinton Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire, TF13 6HS
Tel: 01952 727 466

When open the grounds, which are dog-friendly (on leads), are open 10 am - 5 pm. There are several places to picnic provided and a lovely gift shop.

Access - Getting to Much Wenlock

Much Wenlock is nearly 13 km (8 miles) northwest of Bridgnorth. It is also 5 miles southwest of Ironbridge. The 436 bus connects Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, Ironbridge and Shrewsbury where the nearest railway station is located. The number 18 bus connects Telford and Much Wenlock.

Shrewsbury Station has trains to Chester Station in Chester and on to Holyhead on Anglesey.

There are also trains to Aberystwyth, Birmingham New Street, Crewe, Coventry, Manchester Piccadilly Station in Manchester, Cardiff Central in Cardiff, Wolverhampton and Wrexham.

Accommodation in Shropshire

There are several good places to stay in Much Wenlock. Choose from the Talbot Inn on the High Street, the Gaskell Arms also on the High Street, three stars, or Wenlock Studios self-catering apartment.

See here for a listing of places to stay in Much Wenlock.

Nearby Bridgnorth also has some excellent places to stay. Choose from the Falcon Hotel a former 17th century coaching on St John's Street, the Down Inn just outside town with full English breakfast or the Parlors Hall Hotel with bar, garden and free WiFi.

See a listing on hotels in and near Bridgnorth