Aylesford Priory | |
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The Friars, Aylesford | |
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 |
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.