Mattersey Priory

Mattersey Priory stands beyond the village in the countryside beside the River Idle, the remains of a small house of Gilbertine canons founded in 1185. Much of what survives dates from rebuilding after a fire in 1279, including portions of the refectory, kitchen and ranges around the cloister. The modest scale reflects a community very different from the great abbeys, and the ruined walls reward a slow look at their former arrangement. Visitors repeatedly stress that the approach is a substantial part of the outing and that driving to the ruins causes problems. Park in Mattersey village, then follow Abbey Road on foot or by cycle for about a mile; the final approach crosses private farmland with permission and uses a stile. There are no facilities at the priory, and dogs are not allowed.