More information : [TF 43277798] Site of Priory [G.T.] (Cistercian). (1)
The Cisterian priory of Nuns at Greenfield was founded before 1153 (as a benefactor of the house, Ranulf, Earl of Chester, died in that year), and suppressed in 1536. (2)
The moat, which surrounded the priory remains, and traces of other earthworks are visible on air photographs. [See TF 47 NW 15 for DMV]. (2-5)
The moat is nearly complete and mainly water filled.
Published survey (25") revised.
The remaining earthworks are drainage channels and surface quarrying. There are no surface remains of the monastic buildings, nor do the present farm buildings exhibit early material: but see TF 47 NW 1. (6)
Large blocks of Spilsby sandstone from the priory were found as foundations in bulldozing a brick farmhouse at TF 432 780.(see TF 47 NW 1). (7)
The "moat" referred to by the previous authority was visible as an earthwork and mapped from poor quality air photographs. The moat is visible as a rectilinear enclosure with internal dimensions of 160m by 110m and is defined by a broad deep ditch. It is centred at TF 4327 7798. Attached to the north and south sides of this enclosure are further rectilinear enclosures. The ditches defining these enclosures may also serve as a water management system for the moat. No remains identifiable as Medieval were visible in any of the enclosures. The main, large enclosure is probably the precinct boundary of the nunnery and is similar to other
substantial ditched enclosures associated with monastic sites in Lincolnshire. It could equally have served as an ornamental moat for a post dissolution house on the site of the nunnery. There is no actual evidence for this but monastic sites were often used for Post Medieval houses that have now disappeared.
(Morph No. LI.129.3.1-2)
This description is based on data from the RCHME MORPH2 database.
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