Tower At Ranton Abbey

The site contains the west tower of the church of a priory of Austin Canons, founded circa 1160 by Robert Fitzneel. The tower is the most significant surviving element of the former priory and represents a notable example of late medieval design and construction. It is built of ashlar and features an embattled parapet topped with a low pyramidal cap. A decorative band runs below the parapet, and the large west window and lower doorway are ornamented with a hood mould. A newel staircase is located in the south-east angle. A large blocked arch is present on the east side. A section of walling along the south side of the nave incorporates a round-headed doorway with a continuous roll moulding. The monastic buildings stood to the south, but no above-ground remains are visible. Footings of the eastern portion of the church have been found, although they have not been excavated. A nearby late Georgian mansion is now a roofless ruin, heavily overgrown with ivy, making detailed inspection impossible, and it is not a listed building.