St Oswalds Priory

St Oswald's Priory is the ruined remains of the north aisle of the nave of the former Augustinian Priory of St Oswald, founded by St Athelflaed around 900. The site underwent significant alterations and additions in the 12th and 13th centuries, along with various changes in the later medieval and post-medieval periods. After the dissolution, most of the priory was demolished, except for the aisle, which was converted for use as the parish church of St Catherine. The structure features rubble, including masonry reused from Roman buildings, and ashlar details.

The standing remains include the north wall of the Saxon church, which was remodeled in the 12th century with the addition of an arcade when the nave was enlarged by adding aisles. The exterior showcases four early 12th-century bays with round arches on piers that have scalloped capitals. The bays to the west are infilled with reset 12th-century masonry, including two blocks with chevron patterns, and a 15th-century doorway with a moulded surround. The second bay to the east is infilled, while the eastern bay features a Saxon arch above a 12th-century arch, indicating later infill. On the north-facing wall, there is a 13th-century trefoiled piscina and a blocked square-headed opening with chamfered jambs, along with reset medieval masonry.

A projecting spur to the north-east includes an early 13th-century arch and wall with scalloped capitals. To the west, there are two early 13th-century bays with higher pointed arches and worn foliate capitals, infilled with rubble and ashlar. These bays contain early 16th-century three-light and two-light stone-mullioned windows with sunk spandrels, as well as a projecting spur wall to the south-west and a chamfered single-light window located centrally between the bays. The form of the Anglo-Saxon church has been established by the architectural historian Heighway.