Aylesford Priory

Aylesford Priory
The Friars, Aylesford
Inner courtyard of the Priory
Built13th, 15th century
Restored byFr. Malachy Lynch
ArchitectAdrian Gilbert Scott
Governing bodyRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark
OwnerCarmelite Order
Listed Building – Grade I
Official nameThe Friars, Main Block
Designated25 August 1959
Reference no.1070570
Listed Building – Grade I
Official nameGatehouse and Wall to the NE
Designated25 February 1987
Reference no.1111775
Aylesford Priory is located in Kent
Aylesford Priory
Location of Aylesford Priory in Kent
The old gatehouse at the Friars
Shrine at night

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.

  1. ^ "History". www.thefriars.org.uk. 29 August 2018.
  2. ^ "Friaries: The Carmelite friars of Aylesford". www.british-history.ac.uk. British History Online.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ Historic England. "Name: The Friars, Main Block (1070570)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  5. ^ Historic England. "Name: GATEHOUSE AND WALLS TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE FRIARS (1111775)". National Heritage List for England.