Priories (5) : Wombridge

This Augustinian priory in Shropshire was founded in the early 12th century, the earliest grant of land to the priory recorded is from 1136CE. The priory was built in a wood clearing near to Watling Street. Later, the village of Wombridge was formed on priory lands. Now this is part of the modern settlement of Telford.

The priory was never a rich one though was thought to have been generally well run. It did not stop the priory being dissolved in 1536. The priory church is reported to have still been in existence in the 17th century where it was used as a coach house but the other buildings were demolished and plundered for stone. 

A new church, St Mary & St Leonard (the priory being dedicated to St Leonard) was built on the site of the priory ruins. The remains of the priory can still be seen in the churchyard.

University

I didn't have a rail trip yesterday due to reasons but today had time for a little local trip to University station to see how the rebuild is going on. The station was supposed to be ready for the Commonwealth Games but missed that target, looks like some time next year is when it will be ready. It certainly looks pretty impressive. You can see the photos here.

Churches (164) : St John the Baptist, Westwood Heath

The church of St John the Baptist in Westwood Heath, on the outskirts of Coventry, was built in 1842-3. The church has a nave (without aisles) and a chancel. A porch to the North East and a vestry to the South East. The church has a bell turret above the nave.

The church, which is the Decorated style, is built from ashlar masonry and brick. 

SEVENTY

Typing on my Silver-Reed SEVENTY.

Priories (4) : Maxstoke

Maxstoke Priory in Warwickshire was an Augustine priory. It's origin was in a college for monks formed by Sir William de Clinton in 1330, which was changed into a priory in 1336. The buildings however were not consecrated until 1342. Although the priory was never that rich (compared to other priories) it did establish a choir school with an organ in the 15th century, organs being rare at the time. The priory was dissolved in 1536.

Not much of the priory remains today and what remains is often in poor condition, the remains of the priory church collapsing as recent as 1986. The walls of the outer gatehouse remain along with parts of the priory wall. The inner gatehouse survives in modified form as a farmhouse. It is possible Maxstoke's parish church was once the priory's capella ante portas or outside church.