Visit to Norton Priory, Runcorn, on 22nd June

A small band of intrepid members braved the particularly warm weather to visit this historic site. Norton Priory was founded in the 11th century and became a major monastic site until the Dissolution. It slowly fell into ruin but more recently it has become the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Norton Priory has benefited from significant funding and now has an excellent Visitor Centre and Museum. Assembling after coffee, we were given a guided tour around the site and museum. Members then had a chance to explore on their own and later to enjoy lunch. 

See http://nortonpriory.org/ for more information.

Some us then walked over to the 2.5 acre Georgian walled gardens. These excellent gardens were unfortunately suffering (like us) from some some exceptionally hot and dry weather. We need to go back in a 'normal' summer.