Bridlington Priory Church
Church Green, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO16 7JX
The most illustrious of Bridlington’s priors, John of Thwing who died in 1379, was the last English saint to be created before the Reformation. As many as 15 miracles were attributed to Prior John during his lifetime and 12 afterwards. Pilgrims travelled to his shrine, including Henry V in 1421 and Henry VI in 1451. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, only the nave was left standing, which is the church we see today, and the entrance gate, which now houses the Bayle Museum. Modern-day visitors to the Priory can learn about the Augustinian canons, the life and times of St John of Bridlington, and dress up as an Augustinian canon.
The varied history of the Priory, from its foundation in 1113 through dissolution to the present day, is portrayed in twelve fascinating appliquéd panels and one done in 2013 depicting St John. Of the many miracles attributed to Prior John before and after his death, five were chosen for this piece: healing the sick; changing water into wine; feeding the poor; rescuing five Hartlepool sailors from a storm; saving a family from a burning cottage by carrying a ladder single-handed which normally took five men to lift.
Visitors will also find fine examples of the well-known Yorkshire woodworker ‘Mousey’ Thompson and can even go on a mouse hunt! In 2013 as part of the Priory’s 900th anniversary, local artist & sculptor Stephen Carvill created three wonderful pieces, which 21st century pilgrims can visit.
Church Green, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO16 7JX
There is an Art Exhibition in the Priory on this date. There are a number of exhibits in and around the priory that are suitable for all ages, children welcome. Lots of activities for children as well.