Cranborne Priory (original) (raw)

Cranborne Priory is a former priory church in the village of Cranborne, Dorset, England. Founded in 980 as Cranborne Abbey, it became a priory in 1102, remaining that way until it was dissolved in 1540. The tower, nave and aisles from the priory survive to from the Church of St Mary and St Bartholomew, the parish church of Cranborne. The building, which has fragments from the 12th century, is designated a Grade I listed building. The surviving church is notable for its large west tower, considered "amongst the finest in East Dorset", three medieval wall paintings and numerous monuments.