Monk Bretton Priory Yorkshire & Humberside England

Founded in the 12th century it was originally created as a daughter house of the Cluniac order of St. John at Pontefract.  At the time it was in an isolated area nearly Barnsley but today it is surrounded by a housing estate.

Arguments arose between the two orders with the Pope having to intercede by ordering the Archdeacon of Lincoln to arbitrate the dispute.  By the end of the 13th century Monk Bretton left the Cluniac order and joined the Benedictines.

In 1295 there were 13 resident monks living at the priory under a prior.  At the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries there were also 13 monks living under one prior.

The prior’s range on the west side of the cloister is still complete. The ground floor contains a storeroom, cellar and well. The first floor contains the prior’s chamber, with fireplace and cupboards set into the walls.

Monk Bretton contains an extensive drainage and water system running throughout the priory.  This would have provided the monks with fresh water and a way to take away waste water.

The grounds also contain the remains of two fishponds, which would have been maintained by the monks as a food source.