| Aylesford Priory | |
|---|---|
| Native name The Friars, Aylesford | |
 Inner courtyard of the Priory | |
| Built | 13th, 15th century |
| Restored by | Fr. Malachy Lynch |
| Architect | Adrian Gilbert Scott |
| Governing body | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark |
| Owner | Carmelite Order |
Listed Building – Grade I | |
| Official name | The Friars, Main Block |
| Designated | 25 August 1959 |
| Reference no. | 1070570 |
Listed Building – Grade I | |
| Official name | Gatehouse and Wall to the NE |
| Designated | 25 February 1987 |
| Reference no. | 1111775 |
  Location of Aylesford Priory in Kent | |
Aylesford Priory, or "The Friars" was founded in 1242 when members of the Carmelite order arrived in England from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.[1] Richard de Grey, a crusader, sponsored them, and conveyed to the order a parcel of land located on his manor in Aylesford in Kent.[2][3] The estate came back into the ownership of the Carmelite order in 1949. After refurbishment, which revealed 15th century remnants, the manor house was Grade I listed in 1959.[4] After subsequent work on site, the 15th century gatehouse and the NE section of the wall were also Grade I listed on 25 February 1987.[5] The priory now contains an array of contemporary artworks by notable artists. It is a pilgrimage destination of national significance.
- ^ "History". www.thefriars.org.uk. 29 August 2018.
- ^ "Friaries: The Carmelite friars of Aylesford". www.british-history.ac.uk. British History Online.
- ^ "Friaries: The Carmelite friars of Aylesford," in A History of the County of Kent: Volume 2, ed. William Page (London: Victoria County History, 1926), 201-203. British History Online, accessed July 15, 2020, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/kent/vol2/pp201-203.
- ^ Historic England. "Name: The Friars, Main Block (1070570)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ Historic England. "Name: GATEHOUSE AND WALLS TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE FRIARS (1111775)". National Heritage List for England.