Aylesford Priory

Aylesford Priory, also known as The Friars, is a former Carmelite monastery beside the River Medway in Kent, in south-east England. It is a pilgrimage destination of national significance, and also a quiet complex of historic buildings, gardens and a working pottery that you can visit without a ticket.

How did the priory begin?

The Carmelite order arrived in England from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land and settled at Aylesford in 1242. A crusader, Richard de Grey, sponsored the friars and gave the order a parcel of land on his manor. Sources describe it as the site of the order's first General Chapter outside the Holy Land, which helped shift the Carmelites from a hermit tradition towards that of mendicant friars.

What happened to it afterwards?

The friars were forced out in 1538 during the Reformation, and the buildings were converted into a grand private residence. After a fire in 1930 the site was restored, and in 1949 the estate returned to the Carmelites. Refurbishment revealed 15th-century remains. The manor house was Grade I listed in 1959, and on 25 February 1987 the 15th-century gatehouse and the north-eastern section of the wall received the same status.

What is there to see?

• the medieval courtyard and historic buildings,
• 17th-century thatched barns,
• a pilgrims' hostelry dating from the late 13th century,
• chapels, the Peace Garden and the Rosary Way,
• contemporary sculpture and artworks, including pieces by Adam Kossowski.

Modern art sits alongside medieval architecture, so a visit spans several centuries.

Why do pilgrims come here?

The priory holds a shrine containing relics of St Simon Stock, a Carmelite associated with the tradition of the scapular. Many visitors also come simply for the calm and a stroll through the grounds.

Is there a pottery at Aylesford Priory?

Yes. Aylesford Pottery was founded in 1953 by David Leach and still operates within the priory precincts. It is one of the few surviving commercial craft potteries in the south-east of England, and visitors can look in to watch the potters at work. A tea room and gift shop are also on site.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? According to online information, entry to The Friars is free and the site is open year-round. The pottery, tea room and shop keep set, seasonal hours, so check current details before you go.

Where is Aylesford Priory? In the village of Aylesford in Kent, near the River Medway, in the Tonbridge and Malling area.

Who owns it? Since 1949 it has again belonged to the Carmelite order, which regained its first English house.

Who is it for? History, architecture and modern art lovers, pilgrims, and anyone after a peaceful short outing.