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Monk Bretton Priory

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A very complete medieval monastic site located on the outskirts of Barnsley, home of a 12th century Cluniac priory. Monk Bretton was established around 1154 by Adam Fitz Swane, as a daughter house of St John's in Pontefract. However, in 1281 the monks quarrelled and Monk Bretton seperated from the Cluniac order to become a Benedictine priory instead!

Quite a bit of the monastery remains, including the cloister, west range, and the 15th century gatehouse. The west range in particular is almost complete and unaltered. Little of the church remains, barring the south transept. The remains of the priory kitchen and bakehouse stand to the south of the refectory. Nearby are the visible remains of two fishpods maintained by the monks as a steady source of food.

Monks Bretton was suppressed by Henry VII in 1539. After the Dissolution, the priory became home to the Armyne and Talbot familioes, and a private dwelling was created from the old prior's lodging. The gatehouse was used as a dwelling, and later as a barn for the nearby grange.

The priory is cared for by English Heritage, but is aided by the Friends of Monk Bretton Priory, a charitable organization devoted to promote the priory to visitors. The Friends website gives further details of the priory's history, plus useful visitor information.
Barnsley, Yorkshire, England

About Monk Bretton Priory
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: Open daily except Christmas holidays and New Years. See English Heritage website for full details.
Website: Monk Bretton Priory
English Heritage
Location map
OS SE374066
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Wentworth Castle - 4 miles (Garden) Nostell Priory - 7 miles (Historic House) Sandal Castle - 7.6 miles (Castle) Brodsworth Hall - 8.1 miles (Historic House) National Coal Mining Museum - 9.7 miles (Museum) Conisbrough Castle - 9.9 miles (Castle) Pontefract Castle - 11.2 miles (Castle) Bagshaw Museum - 14.7 miles (Museum)

Nearest Towns and Villages Barnsley - 2 miles away Rotherham - 9.1 miles away Wakefield - 9.2 miles away Pontefract - 11.2 miles away Sheffield - 11.9 miles away Doncaster - 13.2 miles away Huddersfield - 15.7 miles away Leeds - 17.9 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Monk Bretton Priory

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Abbey Cottage - 10.7 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Whitby, Yorkshire Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £235

The Old School House, Carlecotes - 12.4 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Langsett, Yorkshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £295

Grove Farm Cottage - 13.2 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Hepworth, Yorkshire Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £390

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Nearest Hotels

Ardsley House Hotel - 0.8 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Barnsley, Yorkshire Stay from: £59.50

26, Greenfoot Lane - 2.6 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Barnsley, Yorkshire Stay from: £100.00

Ramada Encore Barnsley - 3.5 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Barnsley, Yorkshire Stay from: £49.00

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Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

fairways - 10.3 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Templeborough, Yorkshire From: £45.00

The Briary Hotel - 13.6 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Sheffield, Yorkshire From: £42.00

Throapham House Bed & Breakfast - 15.2 miles from Monk Bretton Priory Laughton, Yorkshire From: £65.00

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Barnsley
Tourist Information Centre
Cooper Gallery
Church Street
Barnsley
Yorkshire
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S70 2AH
Tel: 01226 206 757
Fax: 01226 206 757
Email: barnsley@ytbtic.co.uk
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