Stainfield Priory

Stainfield Priory is the site of a small medieval Benedictine nunnery in the village of Stainfield, Lincolnshire, between Wragby and Fiskerton. No grand ruin survives, but the ground is a protected archaeological site and the landscape still hints at what once stood here.

What was Stainfield Priory?

A modest convent dedicated to St Mary, it was founded around the middle of the 12th century by a member of the Percy family. Sources disagree on whether the founder was William or Henry. The Victoria County History records it as the only Benedictine nunnery in the old county of Lincolnshire. It was planned for at most about twenty nuns and was never wealthy, with an income valued at £112 at the Dissolution.

What happened to it?

The house was suppressed in 1536 under Henry VIII, and the remaining nuns moved to nearby Stixwould. In 1538 the estate passed to Sir Robert Tyrwhitt, whose descendants built a large house with a park and formal gardens over the former precinct. That mansion was largely pulled down in 1773, and what remained burned in 1855.

What can you see today?

Mostly earthworks: banks and hollows in the former parkland, including traces of fishponds, plus brick garden walls and a gate pier from the Tyrwhitt estate. The site is a scheduled monument (list entry 1014454 on the National Heritage List for England) covering the area of the nunnery buildings and the later gardens. It has never been excavated, so archaeologists expect well-preserved remains below ground. Records also note a possible pre-monastic settlement and a deserted medieval village nearby.

Can you visit?

This is not a ticketed attraction, and we found no published opening hours. Parts of the site include private buildings and land. Check a map for public roads and footpaths before you go, view the site from those, and do not enter private property. The Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer and the National Heritage List give useful background to read beforehand.

How do you get there?

Stainfield lies north-east of Lincoln, near the market town of Wragby. A car is the practical choice, as public transport in this rural area is limited. The trip combines easily with a day in Lincoln, with its cathedral and castle.

When is the best time to go?

Since the interest lies in the shape of the ground, pick a clear spring or autumn day when low sun makes the earthworks stand out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stainfield Priory open to visitors? There is no sign of organised visiting. The site is protected and partly private, so look from publicly accessible spots only.

Who founded the priory? A Percy, in the mid-12th century. Sources name him as either William or Henry.

Where did the nuns go after the Dissolution? In 1536 they were transferred to Stixwould Priory.

Does a medieval building survive? Not as an impressive ruin. What remains is chiefly earthworks and brick features from the later manor estate.