More information : (SE 51969061) Arden Hall on site of (NAT) St Andrew's Priory (NR) (Benedictine Nuns) (SE 51949080) Nun's Well (NR). (1)
The Priory of St Andrew was founded by Peter de Hoton (Hutton) probably before 1147 for Benedictine nuns although lay brothers are recorded until 1306. At the suppression in August 1536 there were six sisters, apparently not including the prioress and an aged sister, with sixteen servants etc. (2)
The only remains of the Priory at Arden Hall is an old chimney, and a circular basin of stonework called the Nun's Well. In the pavement of the yard are the lids of two stone coffins. (3)
Arden Hall 18th cent alterations and additions to Priory buildings, which are mostly rebuilt. Grade II. (4)
Arden Hall is not outstanding. Within the hall the old chimney, which is the only remains of the priory, can still be seen rising through three floors.
Nun's Well is a free flowing spring issuing from a hillside into a circular stone basin 2.4m in diameter and 0.4m deep. There are no traces of the coffin lids nor is there any local knowledge of them. See photos of Arden Hall and Nun's Well. (5) |