Scheduled Ancient Monument: KERSEY PRIORY (SF50)

Priory, Augustinian, founded 1219 (latest). Originally a hospital dedicated to St Mary the Blessed Virgin and St Anthony under rule of Austin Canons (circa 1218) soon converted to Augustinian Priory. Dissolved 1443, 1444 endowments given to Kings College, Cambridge. Priory impoverished in 1347 so that prior and canons could not be properly supported. Excavated by Dickinson (1958), recovered the plan of the church and discovered the W range to have been the early C13 wooden hospital converted into the Prior's house. Further excavation revealed the E wall of the church - 156 feet long, and the foundations of three of the pillars of the central tower. Priory chapel has been restored and is used as a stable (grade 2 listed building). DOE remains consist of: 1. S choir aisle with ruins of S wall of choir and pier of crossing, mid C13, widened circa 1400, later a stable. 2. Kitchen, square, timber roof (late Med) once free standing, now joined to house. 3. Possibly part of W range and W wall of the nave, built into the present C16/C17 house and adjoining gardens (S1). Scheduled