Hulne Priory

Sited on a bluff overlooking the river Aln in Hulne Park, the largest of the Alnwick parklands, Hulne Priory was founded c.1260 by John de Vesci, it may be the first Carmelite (or Whitefriars) foundation in England and remains one of the best preserved. Inside the surrounding precinct wall considerable portions of the Grade 1 listed priory are still visible and the foundations of other buildings were discovered when the site was excavated in 1886. The large tower with oriel window was added by the 4th Earl of Northumberland in 1488 according to the carved plaque over the hall fireplace. At the Dissolution in 1539 the priory church was demolished and the other buildings altered as a dwelling by Sir Robert Ellerker, the W cloistral range forming the 'Lordes great chamber'. The site was purchased by the seventh Earl of Northumberland in the 1560's, however following his involvement in the 1569 Rising of the North and subsequent beheading it was sequestrated to the Crown and not reacquired by the Northumberland Estates until 1755.

The ruined priory was one of the favourite places of the First Duchess, founder of the Alnwick Castle walled garden, who called nearby Brizlee Hill 'Mount Carmel' and had the cloister planted as a garden. She also had a privy constructed in the W cloistral range, but it was only after she died in 1776 that the Duke commisisoned the famous Scottish architect Robert Adam to prepare designs for a 'Room in gothick style', the 'picnic house' or summer house being completed in 1780. At the same time, the tower was altered with the second floor removed and new windows inserted, and other works carried out to enhance the picturesque atmosphere, such as removing a cottage to the E of the gatehouse. The old infirmary and attached chapel were restored as a dwelling for the estate's head gamekeeper, whose wife looked after the summerhouse and ornamental pheasants, kept in pens on the site of the refectory. By 1809 the priory was already 'much resorted to by Strangers and Tourists' and it continues to be visited by tourists despite being off the beaten track.

Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation prepared a conservation report on the priory to help guide future repairs and maintenance. The main threat was due to the uncontrolled growth of vegetation, which flourishes in the shelter provided by the precinct walls, yet contributes much to the special character of the monument; other problems included missing pointing and leaking roofs. Repairs were carried out to ensure the preservation of the monument and its many heritage values.