There is much history on our doorstep. At our September meeting, Norton Priory volunteer Tracey Crutchley brought the story of Norton Priory to life, speaking with clarity and infectious enthusiasm about the history of this great priory.
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is situated on the edge of Runcorn and was once home to a medieval church. It was originally founded in Runcorn but moved to the Norton site in 1134, on a high point and overlooking the River Mersey.
Two families have links to the site: the Dutton family and the Brooke family. The Duttons supported and engaged with Norton Priory as a monastic site, up until the Dissolution in 1536. The Brooke family made Norton Priory their home between 1545 and 1921, when they left the site to move to a new home in Worcestershire.
The museum displays thousands of objects discovered at the site, which tell the 900-year history from priory to mansion house and the stories of the people who lived here. The most impressive object in the museum is the twice life-size St Christopher statue. It is thought that this statue would have been commissioned to mark the site attaining abbey status in 1391, and by being disguised, survived destruction during the Dissolution.
Today, the museum is surrounded by woodland walks, bringing opportunities to discover secret summer houses, sculptures and a stream glade. During the summer season, the Georgian Walled Garden is also open, with orchards, a rose walk and a herb garden. Norton Priory is home to the National Collection of Tree Quince, and the gardens and grounds support a wide variety of flora and fauna.