Monument record 1431/1 - Priory at Prestbury

<1> Gastrell F, 1845-1850, Notitia Cestriensis, or historical notices of the diocese of Chester, vol.I p.85 (Article in Journal). SCH2290.

The site of an alleged Priory at Prestbury of which Bishop Gastrell states that foundations have been often discovered. He also states that “certain grounds” bear the name of Abbot's Hay and Abbot’s-hay-bank. Raines, in a footnote, states that there doesn’t appear to be any reasonable evidence for a Priory at Prestbury.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ87 NE 7 (Index). SCH2487.

Abbott's Hay (Bank) was associated with the abbots of Chester and was near Spittle House (CHER: 1433/1) .

<3> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, vol.III p.647 (Book). SCH1389.

Gastrell in his Notitia Cestriensis, refers to a priory here anciently, the foundations of which had often been discovered. Its existence however is uncertain; but a curious part confirmation of the seventeenth century tradition has occurred in the Plea Rolls, where "Roꝥt' de Aula" is called Prior of the church of Prestbury, in 133--. Such a house may have existed for a short period, in connection with the church, under Chester Abbey; or it may have been founded by Sir Richard de Stokeport (or his ancestors), who undoubtedly had an interest in the vill and advowson of Prestbury.