Kirkham Priory

Kirkham Priory, near Westow in North Yorkshire, is a ruined Augustinian monastery standing beside the River Derwent. Its best-known feature is the surviving gatehouse, carved with heraldic shields. The site is looked after by English Heritage.

What is the history of Kirkham Priory?

The priory was founded in the 1120s by Walter l'Espec, lord of nearby Helmsley and the builder of Rievaulx Abbey. Local tradition says he founded it in memory of his only son, killed in the area when his horse bolted at the sight of a boar. The canons lived here for roughly four centuries until 8 December 1539, when the house was surrendered during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

What can you see today?

The highlight is the gatehouse, dated to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its front carries the arms of the lords of Helmsley, plus badly weathered carvings of St George and the dragon and of David and Goliath. Above the wide entrance arch the first-floor windows still stand. A stump of a medieval cross survives close by.

Beyond the gate you can walk among low walls of the priory church, cloister remains and the domestic buildings. The layout is easy to read on the ground, and the riverside setting, with the former fishponds nearby, makes for a quiet stroll.

Why is it protected?

The remains are Grade I listed on the National Heritage List for England. A separate Scheduled Monument entry covers the monastic precinct, three fishponds and the precinct boundary. It counts as a well-preserved example of an Augustinian house in the north of England.

What is the wartime connection?

During the Second World War the grounds and surrounding land were used to test landing vehicles ahead of D-Day. Winston Churchill came to watch, and King George VI joined a secret visit to see the exercises.

How should you plan a visit?

The priory lies in the Derwent valley a few miles from Westow and not far from Malton, so a car is the easiest way to arrive. It pairs well with Castle Howard or Rievaulx Abbey, which shares its founder. The ruins are outdoors, so bring waterproof shoes; late afternoon light suits photos of the gatehouse. Check English Heritage for current opening times and ticket prices before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Kirkham Priory? Walter l'Espec, lord of Helmsley, in the 1120s, as an Augustinian house.

When was it closed? On 8 December 1539, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Is this the Kirkham in Lancashire? No. These ruins are in North Yorkshire, on the Derwent, in the parish of Westow.

Who looks after the site? English Heritage. The ruins are Grade I listed and form a Scheduled Monument.