Kirkham Priory

SE 76 NW 1/41

FIRBY KIRKHAM LANE (south side) Kirkham Priory

GV I

Augustinian priory. Mid C12 to C15. Founded by Walter L'Espec, 1122-1130. Sandstone and limestone ashlar and rubble. Church with associated monastic buildings to south, and detached gatehouse to north west. Part of C13 east wall of church survives almost to full height and has a surviving tall shafted lancet with stiff leaf capitals. Of the monastic buildings, substantial sections of the cloister (with fine C13 lavatorium and re-sited Norman portal), refectory and infirmary, remain. A 6-bay arcade survives to the west range with a passage with a sexpartite vault to the north. The late C13 gatehouse is the most complete survival, standing to 2 storeys with 2 first-floor windows. Wide arch with filleted roll moulding surmounted by gabled crocketed hood-mould enclosing trefoiled niche. Sculptures of Saint George and the Dragon to left, David and Goliath to right, each under small canopy. Pairs of shields above each group. String course. First floor: vesica with ballflower decoration containing figure of Christ with figures of Saint Philip and Saint Bartholomew in trefoiled niches below flanked by 2-light windows with blind quatrefoil panels to base and Kentish trefoil tracery. Outer bays: unfilled statue niches. 5 continuous crocketed gables form hood-mould over first-floor features. Stiff-leaf frieze and panelled parapet. Pinnacled buttress to right. For full description and history see English Heritage guide. Scheduled as an Ancient Monument. English Heritage, Kirkham Priory, Official Guide Book; Pevsner N, Yorkshire: York and the East Riding.

Listing NGR: SE7359565767