Priory Gatehouse

The Priory Gatehouse is a Grade I listed gatehouse from the 14th century, serving as the north entrance to the outer court of the Priory of St. Mary and All Saints, which was founded around 1100 by the de Toni family and later adopted the Augustinian rule. The priory was dissolved in 1538, making it one of the first major religious houses to surrender. The gatehouse is constructed from flint with stone dressings and is currently roofless, standing at two storeys.

On the north side, there is a double hollow chamfered arch with a pointed shape, supported by chamfered jambs. Above this arch are three shields displaying coats of arms, which were identifiable in the 18th century as belonging to the de Toni and Beauchamp families, including the Earls of Warwick. The first floor features a single chamfered lancet window and the springing of the gable. A buttress at the south-east angle has set offs.

Inside the arch, angle shafts support quadripartite stone rib vaults that have brick infilling. The south face of the gatehouse contains two pointed arches within a single embrasure, along with the remains of a second inner vault's springing. Clunch and brick courses are visible above. The site is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, with County Number 170.