Jonsoundman

St Mary’s Priory Church

There has been a church at this site since the Saxon times, however, little is known about this church except that it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. This c...
Read more

There has been a church at this site since the Saxon times, however, little is known about this church except that it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. This church was probably destroyed when Old Malton was burnt down during the rebellion between King Stephen and Queen Matilda in 1138. The current church, which is the last Gilbertine Priory church still standing, was stated in about 1150.When completed in about 1200, the church would have been much bigger, as the church’s east end is now roughly where the chancel steps would have been. In addition to this, there would have been claustral buildings and a chapter house.
The church would have stayed much as it was in the early 13th century until the late 15th century, when a fire caused the collapse of the north west tower and severely damaged the north aisle. Roger de Shotton, Prior between 1498 and 1517 caused the piers on the north side of the aisle to be remodelled.

Read less