Site rating:
Woodspring Priory is the remains of an Augustinian priory founded, by William de Courtney in the early 13th century. The first building is recorded as being completed in 1242AD. It was a small and relatively poor religious house for most of its existence. However, in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the priory benefited from money received from an unknown donor, and it was at this time that the existing church and the barn were constructed.
Woodspring Priory was dissolved in 1536AD, after which it was soled to William St Loe and put into use as a farm. In 1566AD it was sold to William Carr who converted it into a small manor house.
The priory passed through a number of different hands over the following centuries, and saw a variety of uses - including as a hospital and as a base for a flying circus. Finally, the semi-derelict buildings were purchased by the Landmark Trust in 1969AD. Restoration work was slowly undertaken over the course of the next 20 years.
Today, the remains of Woodspring Priory consist of the church, the gateway to the chapter house, the refectory, gatehouse, converted remains of the prior's lodging, and a priory barn. While some small part is accessible, access to most of the site is reserved for private holiday makers to whom the old farm buildings are rented. Access to the general public is limited to the east of the church. If you're lucky enough to find it unlocked, a small museum display is housed within part of the building.