Ankerwycke Priory Excavation Tours

The Benedictine nunnery of Ankerwycke Priory was founded by Gilbert de Montfichet in around 1160 and was dissolved in 1536. The surviving standing remains and associated earthworks occupy the north bank of a loop of the River Thames. After its dissolution the Priory passed rapidly through various hands before being granted by the Crown in 1550 to Sir Thomas Smith who built an imposing house. John Blagrove acquired the manor at the beginning of the 19th century and soon after demolished nearly all of the Tudor house in favour of a new one to the north. The remaining part of the house was kept as a picturesque ruin and possibly adapted to some extent within what became pleasure grounds.

Following from successful excavations in 2022, Surrey County Archaeological Unit and the National Trust are excited to continue work on the site this summer as part of the National Lottery Heritage funded Runnymede Explored project. Tours of the site will run at 10am on Wednesday 19th, Friday 21st, Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th and Friday 28th July. No booking necessary, and the tours are free. Sturdy footwear and suitable clothing is recommended.

For more information or for any queries, please email [email protected]