Brinkburn Priory, Northumberland

Founded by William Bertram, Baron of Mitford, in the reign of Henry I the early 12th century, the church of the Augustinian priory of Brinkburn survives completely roofed and restored. Picturesquely set by a bend in the River Coquet, it is reached by a scenic ten minute walk from the car park. Parts of the monastic buildings are incorporated into the elegant adjacent manor house.

Little is known of the early history of the priory. It acquired lands in Northumberland and Durham over the years but it was never particularly wealthy.
In 1535 the value was recorded as £69 and the priory, having an income of less than £200 per annum, was finally dissolved in 1536. In 1602 the priory was in a state of decay, and before 1700, the roof had collapsed, regular services were abandoned, and the site was deserted.

In the 1750s Thomas Sharp, Archdeacon of Northumberland, tried to repair ruin but work was stopped off after a dispute between the owner William Fenwick and the Vicar of Felton. Later the Cadogan family, owners of Brinkburn revived the restoration of the church and work began in 1858. Ten years later the priory roof had been completed, new stained glass windows had been inserted and the church had been refurnished.

The tombstone of Prior William, Bishop of Durham (died 1484) was found during the reconstruction, as was the original altar stone with five crosses. The latter is still preserved along with an ancient font. In 1834 a bronze pot containing 300 Rose Nobles of Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV was also discovered. Brinkburn Priory today, is a very sympathetic 19th-century restoration of the mediaeval original.

Opening Times

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £3.30
Children: £2.00
Concessions: £3.00

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