Prior’s Lodging, St Milburga’s Priory, Much Wenlock

Prior's Lodging, Much Wenlock (image) [+]
Built around 1425 this was originally the lodging of the prior of St. Milburga's. The, now glazed, windows in the range originally formed part of a cloister walk facing an enclosed garden. (Image courtesy of Shrewsbury Museums Service and www.darwincount...

This was rebuilt on a grand scale in the 15th Century. It stands out because of its distinctive mottled purple and grey sandstone. This very impressive building reflects the wealth of the priory at the time and the importance of its prior. Particularly splendid are the prior’s hall with its fine timber roof and the stone galleries which face onto the courtyard originally forming a small cloister-like walk. It shows perhaps how far monasteries like Wenlock had strayed away from the early principles of St.Benedict, which included a vow of poverty!