Beaurepaire Manor House

About

Ruins of a medieval Priory Manor House used as a medieval country retreat for the Priors of Durham. Dates from mid 13th century. 

Beaurepaire Priory was originally built in 1258 by the Prior of Durham in charge of the Priory and Convent of Durham, Bertram de Middleton. It was visited by royalty between 1296 and 1335, with visits by Kings Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III.

Over the centuries the priory was expanded several times. It took on a role similar to that of nearby Finchale Priory and acted as a retreat for the monks of Durham. The retreat was popular because, at just three miles from Durham City, it allowed the monks to attend daily mass easily.

The priory was heavily damaged by the Scottish army following the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346, and subsequently rebuilt and repaired by Prior Fossour. It suffered further damage during the British Civil War when the Priory was largely destroyed by the attacking Scots in the 1640s.

Most of what is left of the once magnificent Beaurepaire Priory ranges from ankle-high to waist-high ruined walls.