Monk Bretton Priory
Monk Bretton Priory was founded by Adam Fitzswaine in 1153. It was a house of Cluniac brothers dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. After a disagreement it became a Benedictine community in 1281 and remained so until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. Some documents relating to the Priory remain indicating that there was no resistance here to the King's Commissioners. The contents including books, cattle, jewels and plate, the lead from the roof and the bells were sold. Part of the north aisle was used in the alterations to Wentworth church. The rest of the building fell into decay and today it is possible to see extensive remains including the 15th century gatehouse, the three-storey prior's house and the refectory.
These days the ruins of the priory are in the middle of a housing estate. The site is owned by Barnsley MBC under English Heritage custody and promoted by the Diocese of Wakefield. There is no entrance fee and you can wander freely about but there were no signs or labelsto show you what's what. Things might have changed. The remains of the Gatehouse and the barns are pretty substantial but many of the other areas are fragmentary.
Jan 2005 - A concerned visitor was appalled to find that the car park and toilets here are listed on various websites as 'cruising' and 'dogging' locations. Now this does not means you can take your toy boat, nor, as I fondly imagined until I was straightened out by one who knows, do gangs of dog-walkers meet up for pleasant strolls and socialisation. They are unpleasant activities you really wouldn't want your granny to know about. So be warned, a nice old priory might not be the only thing you get to see here.
Behind the Priory there are open fields and spaces and access to very good walking along the Trans-Pennine Trail and the Dearne and Dove Trail. Back a bit on the main road there is a pub that I have passed often but never entered 'The Mill of the Black Monks' which purports to be the oldest inn in England - it serves food and real ales. I understand that this was actually the mill when the priory was still a priory.
Information
Free entry. Charges may apply on event days.
Open 1 Apr - 31 Mar (managed by a keykeeper) 10am - 3pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. 24 - 26 Dec and 1 Jan Closed
Visit the Friends of Monk Bretton Priory website at www.monkbrettonpriory.org.uk for more information.