Llanthony Priory, Range Between Outer And Inner Courts

The remains of a range forming part of the Augustinian Priory of Llanthony Secunda date to the late 14th century and the early 16th century, with further alterations in the 18th and 19th centuries. The structure is built of squared and coursed limestone, with 18th and 19th century brick dressings, early 16th century timber framing to the upper floor, and a plain tile roof featuring an 18th century brick stack.

Originally a long range of approximately thirty bays, only six bays remain to full height, situated approximately in the centre. These abut a mid-19th century farmhouse, which occupies the site of the range’s original southern continuation and the Inner Gate that gave access to the Inner Court. The northern end is indicated by the remains of an ashlar plinth.

The standing six bays are of two storeys, with a rubble lower storey and a timber-framed upper storey featuring close studding. The east elevation contains 20th-century windows to the first floor, while a blocked doorway is visible, flanked by two windows with timber lintels. A 3-light 16th-century window with hollow-chamfered architraves and a cyma-moulded architrave sits on the ground floor to the right. The west elevation has further 20th-century windows, a similar 3-light 16th-century window, a later 16th-century window with chamfered architraves and sunk spandrels, and a probably 19th-century inserted doorway.

The interior ground floor retains beams of heavy scantling. The first floor shows traces of former window openings with shutter slots and features a collar truss roof with two tiers of butt purlins and wind braces, with angle side struts to three trusses. Mortice slots suggest the upper floor was originally divided into two rooms. The building was likely constructed as a guest range. Records from the 1460s indicate approximately 80 people were taking communion within the priory precincts. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.