See It: Tynemouth Priory and Castle

A few weekends ago, we headed north for our next history lesson at Tynemouth Priory and Castle.  This was once the largest fortified area in the northeastern part of England. It is situated at the mouth of the Tyne and had strategic value for centuries.  Until the development of modern infantry and weaponry, this stronghold was essentially impenetrable to the enemy as it is connected to the mainland by tall cliffs.

This land was occupied as early as the eighth century; however, these ruins date back to the medieval times.  The ruins of the monastery are dedicated to St. Oswine, whose body was preserved in a shrine on the grounds. 

Tynemouth Abbey ruins

These are the ruins of the priory church.  The two openings on the right that look like window were actually niches for statues. 

The vast height of the walls was astonishing.  If you look closely, you can see me on the left side for a size reference!

The devotion to the Virgin Mary was a long monastic tradition.  Due to this devotion, Lady Chapels were often built.  The walls above are the ruins of the Lady Chapel at Tynemouth.  It was considered a new addition in 1336!

Stained glass window in the Percy Chantry

One of the characteristics of cathedrals, ruins, and castles that I never tire of looking at are stained glass windows.  Each is so beautiful!  The complexity or simplicity varies greatly.  These masterfully-created windows often take such skill, precision, and time.  I always wonder what stories these windows could tell about the people that labored over them for days, months, or years.  This gorgeous flower stained glass window is located in the Percy Chantry, the only portion of the church to survive completely.  Mass would be chanted for the family that endowed the space.  It is not completely known which family endowed this space.  The Percy family, a powerful and well-known family in the northeast, arms decorates portions of the space.   Though the Percy arms are present, the initials I L P for Iohannes Langton Prior are also visible in the ceiling suggesting the space may have been endowed in his honor.

The graveyard on the priory grounds has tombstones that date back to the 18th and 19th century.  The majority of the tombstones are made of sandstone.  The headstones represent people who stood on this land, protected it, and worshiped on it have been eroded by salty wind from the North Sea and the rain.  There is something extremely beautiful these headstones.  

Tynemouth Gatehouse

The only medieval defense that has survived and remained largely intact is the Tynemouth Gatehouse.  Since 1390, it served as the main entrance to the headland.  Its grandeur conveys the wealth and power of the institution it protected.  

Church steeple located in the center of town

After exploring the Tynemouth Priory and Castle, we spent the afternoon strolling down the High Street.  This area was lined with quaint tea rooms and picturesque boutiques to pop into to browse or enjoy an afternoon treat. 

After a day learning about the history at our doorstep, we headed home to plan our next outing.  As we contemplate the next stop on our adventure, remember the lights are always on!

~W