The Priory, In Priory Wood, 500 Yards To North East Of Midford Castle

The Priory, located in Priory Wood, is a Gothick style summer house or tea-room dating from around 1775, possibly designed by John Carter. At the time of the survey in December 1983, it was in a ruined state. The main building features coursed squared freestone footings that survive for 2-3 feet around it, with a canted south end. To the northwest, there is a ruinous circular tower made of ashlar, which has three stages, a bold bracketed cornice, and a truncated spire. The tower includes pierced quatrefoil windows on the west side, with the top window set under a hoodmould similar to those found on Midford Castle. The Priory ruins are the remnants of a significant Georgian Gothick garden that once included a hermitage, a bridge over a man-made ravine, and various walks and rides.