Kirkham Priory
OS grid reference:- SE 736 657
The ruins of Kirkham Priory lie in a tranquil spot on the banks of the River Derwent, at Kirkham. A former Augustinian priory, it was founded in 1130 by Walter l'Espec, lord of Helmsley, who also founded Rievaulx Abbey. Legend relates that Kirkham was founded in remembrance of l'Espec's only son who had died close to the site due to his horse being startled by a boar.
From 1155, following the death of l'Espec, the abbey passed to the de Roos family, of Helmsley. It was surrendered to the crown in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and stripped of its valuables.
The Gatehouse of Kirkham Priory, which dates to circa .1290-5, is one of the best preserved parts of the priory site, it has a wide Gothic style arch, with sculptures of St. Bartholomew and St. Philip in niches. There are also many escutcheons with the armorials of the various benefactors of the Priory, including the arms of de Ros, Scrope, de Forz, Vaux, FitzRalph & Espec. Nearby are the partial remains of a fourteenth century cross. The most extensive remains are those of the priory church which date to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. . Further remains include the thirteenth century chapter house, dorter, guest house, and kitchens.
The area was used to test the D-Day landing vehicles, and was secretly visited by Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II. The ruins are now in the care of English Heritage.