St Thomas the Martyr Church, UpHolland...

There is so much history on my doorstep. This little gem is only a couple of miles from my home.

St Thomas the Martyr in UpHolland is a Church of England Parish church which dates back over 700 years.

The building was founded in  1307 as a college for a Dean and twelve priests by Sir Robert de Holland who was secretary to Thomas Plantagenet, Earl of Lancaster. In 1319, the college was converted into a priory by Walter de Langton, Bishop of Lichfield. The Priory, became known as Upholland Priory and remained as part of the  Benedictine order until the reformation, when in 1536 the priory was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. 

Parts of the original 12th century priory walls can seen be seen but are well hidden by an overgrowth of ivy which covers the West wall of the priory. 

A hidden doorway

A trace of window

A glimpse into the past

Window on a forgotten world

I wonder how many fascinating stories these old walls could share ......if only they could talk !

~***~