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## Lanercost Priory
In 1306, King Edward I sought refuge at Lanercost Priory during a campaign against Scotland, spending five months there recuperating from illness. Founded in 1169 by Robert de Vaux, the priory was dedicated to Mary Magdalene, a rare dedication in the region. Its proximity to Hadrian's Wall provided ample building materials, with many stones, including Roman inscriptions, incorporated into its structure. The priory's strategic location made it a target during the Wars of Scottish Independence; in 1311, Robert the Bruce raided it, causing significant damage. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, the priory's nave was repurposed as a parish church, a role it continues to serve today. The remaining monastic buildings fell into ruin, but the west range was converted into a residence for Thomas Dacre, granted the priory by Henry VIII in 1542. Today, Lanercost Priory stands as a testament to the region's turbulent history and architectural heritage.
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