Gisborough Priory Guided Tour

This tour explores the connections between the Saxons, the Vikings, the Normans and the Scottish King Robert the Bruce to Gisborough Priory. Founded by Robert de Brus in 1119, Gisborough Priory played an influential role in the De Brus lands across England and Scotland. The initial part of the tour discusses the links between the Saxons, Vikings and Normans to the foundation of the Priory and its importance to the Kings of both England and Scotland. Also discussed is the earlier cemetery, that was found on the Priory site and is thought to have predated it. The burials contained grave goods and were aligned the nearby church, which predated the Priory. The second part of the tour discusses the links between the fortunes of the Priory and the fortunes of the De Brus family, including the links to the Scottish King Robert the Bruce. The Priory’s church was rebuilt three times, each grander and more decorative than the last as a result of those links. The tour will help visitors understand the links between the ruins that they see and the previous grandeur of the building. The final part of the tour will focus on the turmoil of the last years of the Priory up to the point of its Dissolution. The Acle Early Medieval Reenactment camp, which focuses on life just before the foundation of the Priory, will also be on site. Here visitors can see a living demonstration of the crafts and activities that took place in a typical Saxon village.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 15 September:

2.00pm - 3.15pm

Location & directions

Gisborough Priory, Church Street, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, TS14 6HG

Directions:

Gisborough Priory and woodland garden is adjacent to St Nicholas Church and the Cenotaph in Guisborough. The church can be seen from the top of Westgate, Guisborough's High Street.

Contact on day:

Christine Clarke

Telephone number:

+447391351757

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Most of the paths in the Priory grounds and in the woodland garden are accessible by wheelchair however the paths can get muddy and access can be difficult when there has been heavy rain. Some of the paths have tree roots and other tripping hazards. Follow the main paths for access to the enactment camp which is on a relatively flat grassed area. There are benches around the site. The wheelchair accessible toilet is in the woodland. Suggested accessible paths, steps benches and toilet are shown on a free leaflet. Disabled parking spaces are available in nearby car parks

Additional information

Please meet for the start of the tour outside the visitor hut inside the Priory entrance. The Acle Early Medieval Reenactment camp will also be taking place on 14th and 15th September on the Priory site. See separate HOD entry. The tour takes place outside as does the reenactment camp so visitors need to dress for the weather. A First Aid kit for personal use is available. Dogs are welcome on leads and children under 16 have to be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their behaviour. Visitors are asked not to climb on the stonework of the monument

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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