Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
Norton Priory’s story spans 900 years, and is recognised as Europe’s most excavated monastic site. Alongside the medieval priory ruins, the 12th Century Undercroft is the last part of the priory which is still complete.
Organisation Bio
As Europe’s most excavated monastic site, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens has a story which spans 900 years. Norton Priory is home to an unexpected variety of sights and experiences, including the internationally significant fourteenth century statue of St. Christopher, the Grade I listed mediaeval Undercroft, the 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden and the excavated remains of the monastic complex.
Two museum exhibition galleries tell the fascinating story of the site and display many objects found during excavations at the site, alongside a number of items which have connections to the Georgian mansion which was the home of the Brooke family, until 1921. Although the mansion was demolished in 1928, the Victorian entrance porch remains, which provides an insight into the scale and grandeur of the Brooke estate.
Today, Norton Priory hosts a full and diverse events programme, including outdoor theatre, Pride at the Priory, the annual Quince and Apple Weekend and summer and winter seasonal programming. Norton Priory has strong community links and embraces work with a wide range of partners, especially from organisations which reflect our values and ambitions.
In 2023, Norton Priory joined Art Council England’s National Portfolio of Organisations, becoming Halton’s first NPO.
Organisation Services
Norton Priory is an accredited museum and works with a range of local and national organisations to grow and develop understanding of the site. Working with leading organisations such as the Paget’s Association, the Universities of Nottingham and Liverpool, The Museum of London Archaeology and STFC UKRI Daresbury, Norton Priory’s unique collections and heritage are further researched and developed.
As an education provider, Norton Priory delivers school sessions for in-house class visits as well as outreach sessions. For adult learners, a range of workshops are provided which draw on the historic past and the natural environment of the site.
For events and performances, Norton Priory works with a wide range of Cultivate partners, and is proud to have A Place For Us CIC as Artistic Directors. Norton Priory also works with other Cultivate partner organisations to bring a rich and varied creative offer to the site, whilst also being an active partner at events across the borough.
Norton Priory champions local creativity and is always keen to be at the cutting edge of cultural delivery within Halton. If you’re interested in working with Norton Priory, a phone call or in person visit is recommended as an initial contact method.
We welcome visitors during site opening hours: please check our website for details.
Organisation Audience
Norton Priory welcomes everyone, but core audiences include:
- Families
- Empty-nesters and retired people
- People living with disabilities and their carers
- Schools and Universities
Contact
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
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Info
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
Tudor Road,
Manor Park,
Runcorn,
WA7 1SX
01928 569 895