Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

In Brief.

In name and in principle, Norton Priory would be a priory, but in practice, little remains of the original buildings, though the layout can be discerned from the foundations. However, this is a thoroughly excavated site, and representative archeological finds are now on show in the modern museum that borders, and partially incorporates, the remains of the priory. Thus a visit primarily involves the museum and the assorted gardens, which include woodland walks and a busy and diverse walled garden.

The undercroft, the most intact area of the priory.

What's Here?

The modern museum is the starting point for visits, with ticket sales, the shop, the cafe and the museum. The museum itself is largely in a single space, which is packed with exhibits, in particular from the priory, which was established on the site in the 12th Century and remained in use until 1536. Exhibits from the time of the priory include a reconstruction of the cloisters, tiles, carved coffin lids and skeletons that have been subject to forensic analysis analysis to identify illnesses and causes of death. The museum also traces the later uses of the site as a stately home which was demolished in 1928.  I found that adjacent exhibits tended to jump between topics and time periods, breaking the narrative, but that the individual displays and artefacts were interesting.

Monastic drain adorned with erstwhile fishpond.

The museum building inventively incorporates the undercroft, the storage area of the priory, and has an airy central area that includes the shop. The undercroft provides access to the remains of the priory, and to a collection of paths though an atmospheric wooded area, where there is a play zone and some wooden musical instruments.

The walled garden, which was built for the country house, is a short walk or drive away, but is worth the effort.  In my visit in September, most of the borders were past their prime, but this is a well maintained and busy garden, with a vegetable garden, a herb garden, the national collection of quince trees, and a wide variety of flowering plants.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 29 miles

Drive Time: 45 minutes.

Price: $

Parking: Included.

Food and Drink: There is a pleasant if low key cafe, with inside and outside seating areas. I had a rather sweet cookie the size of a frisbee and a satisfactory coffee.

Retail therapy: There is a small airy shop in the foyer, with a collection of souvenirs, some reflecting the museum exhibits. One book stand featured topics as diverse as Art Nouveau Tiles and Triumph Sports Cars; I was somewhat tempted by the latter!

Child Friendly: There may be things in the museum that catch the imagination, but there is a play area in the woodland walk and an space for pre-schools in the walled garden.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2 hours.

Inside-Outside: 50:50

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