Dunstabelle's Dunstable: The Priory Grounds Dunstable

The Priory Church of St Peters is a Norman building going back to the 12^th century when it was founded by Henry the 1^st as an Augustinian Monastry. Although St Peters is an impressive looking building, looking at the total size of the Priory Grounds it would be small in comparison to what was originally built. There would have been other buildings on site as the Canons would have lived and worked there, i.e. stables dormitories, kitchens etc. A Hostel was built for pilgrims and travellers, the remains of this is in Priory House.

It has survived down the years and is now the Parish Church, with a growing community. It has its office in Chew’s House a listed building in High Street South.

As you come out of the church there is a Gateway and wall still intact which is part of the original site. There is fencing around what is known as Priory Meadow which is a beautiful grassy area with tree’s which you can sit, or walk through, it is very peaceful, there is fencing that separates Priory School, whose entrance is on Church Street. The rest is open. Priory Meadows then lead into Priory Gardens which is laid out, with pathways, and flower gardens, it has a war memorial and benches to sit for a while. Toilets where built in the Gardens, but have since been removed, moving down towards high St South you have Priory House.

Parts of Priory House date back to the 13th century, it was built as a guest house for pilgrims travelling through, or visiting the Priory. With the dissolution of the Priory in the 16th century it became a private house. Many changes have been made over the years. Priory House has been used as an asylum, a hat factory, rented living accommodation and Council Offices. It is now a Heritage Centre, with a tourist centre, a tea shop and galleries for both permanent and temporary displays.

Opposite the Priory on what is now Church Street, Henry the 1^st took over one of the Royal Palaces, this is known as Kingsbury. (another post I think.) leading into the Priory from church Street is the parish Hall which was originally built as a school. Also in the grounds is Priory Gardens Clinic, which used to be cottages.