In More Depth is the place to learn more about the history of Gisborough Priory. Most of the posts are based on the information we give to the Site Guides, and come from questions that visitors ask. However, if you are thinking about being a Site Guide, don’t worry, you won’t be expected to know all this! We hope you enjoy them. in addition, English Heritage also has a lot of information about the Priory on their site, which you can find here.
The posts are arranged in alphabetical order. If you’re looking for a particular topic and can’t find it, you can always try searching for it. Click on the magnifying glass at the top right hand corner of this page.
If you’re looking for a general overview, try starting with 900 Years of History.
If there’s anything you want to know that isn’t covered here, please email us and we’ll try to answer it.
900 Years of History
The history of Gisborough Priory covers more than 900 years from its foundation in 1119. After the dissolution in 1540, formal gardens covered much of the site. The gardens became increasingly elaborate but eventually became abandoned. In the late 1990s a local group, which later…
The Great Fire
On the 16th of May 1289 at a little before noon, and just as the Convent was gathering for a procession and mass, a fire broke out on the Priory Church roof. A “vile plumber”, engaged to repair holes in the lead roof, and who…
The Gyesburn Bible – an unlikely survival
Although it was dissolved in 1540 several books are known to exist which were once owned by Gisborough Priory. Most are service books and liturgical calendars and in various libraries and collections around the country. However, the Gyesburn Bible stands out as being a richly…
The Monk’s Walk
From the earliest days Gisborough Priory Project has sought to restore and open to the public the historic Priory gardens. The Monk’s Walk was one of the very first targets. This article examines the history and development of this iconic garden feature. Following the dissolution…