More information : (SX 32818502) Priory (NR) (remains of) (NAT) (1)
Launceston Priory, founded 1127 as a house of Augustinian
canons, replaced the earlier monastic institution at St Stephens (SX 38 NW 5). It was dissolved in 1539 and the buildings levelled.
The site was re-discovered in 1886 and 1888 during the construction of the railway and a gas holder; excavations at
this time by O B Peter revealed sufficient remains at a depth
of 10ft - 11ft below ground level for a detailed plan to be
made, see illustration (5).
Foundations were of unmortared 'herring-bone' coursing and the
floors were of slate overlaid by encaustic tiles.
Painted wall plaster was found, and debris from the north chapel, suggested to be 'St Gabriel's Chapel' (3) (7) (8), and from the Lady and south chapels, indicated a tiled timbered roof.
To north of the chancel lay the cemetery for the laity, consisting of stone-lined and capped graves.
Only fragmentary footings of the priory are now visible in situ
(HHR Grade 2).
Tiles, cut stone and a circular cross-head adapted as an upper
quernstone are in Launceston Museum (7); columns and masonry are preserved in St Thomas' church-yard (3).
A 12th century doorway is built into the White Hart Hotel,
Broad Street (9) (10) (see SX 38 SW 16. 20).
(For Priory Mill and fishpond see SX 38 SW 26). (2-10)
The footings of part of the choir and alter are preserved in an enclosure outside the south east corner of St Thomas' churchyard. They are of blocks of Polyphant stone bonded with
slabs of shale varying in height from 0.5m to 1.25m. There are
some fragments of moulded columns etc still in situ and many
pieces of moulded masonry lying about. See photograph. (11)
Since 1951 the area has become overgrown and some walling has deteriorated. With several hundred pieces of cut stone capping, or built against walls, the impression is that of an
architectural collection.
Walls surveyed at 1:2500 on MSD. (12)
Remains of priory church and associated priory buildings. Slatestone and volcanic stone dressigs. Complex plan over large site, part of which is excavated and includes what must be the priory church with steps up towards the east end and complex moulded abutments and jambs. Newel stair at a short distance north of the crossings; 2 stone chest tombs partly within crossing. Other remains visible by SE corner and south porch of church of St. Thomas-by-Launceston (qv). Maximum height of visible remains is approx. 1.5 metres. Upgraded to GRADE II*. (13) |