Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

This medieval gatehouse would have been an imposing structure in the 14th century before the construction of the surrounding houses that form the beautiful market square of the village. Architecturally, it is a mix of early English with its simple lines as well as some decorated Gothic features. Probably as a result of the Scottish raids in Furness in 1316 and 1322, the Cannons of the Priory built the gatehouse and a defensive wall between 1330 and 1340. In 1536 the Priory was dissolved as part of the reformation. Most of the monastic property was demolished, but the gatehouse was at that time serving as a courthouse for the manor of Cartmel, and so it survived. It became a grammar school in 1624 and was later given to the National Trust in 1946. A stone spiral staircase leads from the archway below to the great room, where a National Trust guide will be there to greet you and share stories from the gatehouse and local area.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 15 September:

1000-1600

Location & directions

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse, Priest Lane, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QB

Directions:

The Gatehouse is located by the stone fish slabs in the main village square. The Gatehouse building is also home to the L'Enclume shop. There is limited free parking available in the village, or pay for parking at the Cartmel Racecourse, just a stone's throw away from the Gatehouse.

Contact on day:

Georgina Gates

Telephone number:

+441539569816

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Unfortunately the Great Room at the Gatehouse is not wheelchair accessible due to its location on the 1st floor which is only accessible via an uneven, steep stone spiral staircase. There is no parking directly at the Gatehouse. Pay for parking is available at the racecourse nearby.

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