Rare Medieval Shrine Restored at Worksop Priory Gatehouse

Worksop Priory was once one of Nottinghamshire's wealthiest monastic houses. The gatehouse is one of only two survivors of its kind in England: a walkthrough shrine. As at the other surviving example in Canterbury, pilgrims would enter one side, kneel to pray before an altar, and leave on the other.

The Augustinian church and gatehouse survived the 16th century Dissolution of the Monasteries. But by 1998 weather and decay were taking their toll, and the gatehouse and cloister wall were identified as buildings at risk.

Now repairs to shrine masonry and roof have been completed, the exquisite vaulted ceiling and the decoration have been restored.

The rescue partners

The work was made possible by funding from Historic England and local authorities, and support to the Worksop Priory and Gatehouse Community Trust from the Prince's Regeneration Trust.

The shrine is now occasionally open so that we can all once more admire its intimate jewel-like interior.

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