"Priory Park Museum" Top 5 Page for this destination Southend-on-Sea Things to Do Tip by PeterVancouver

This museum is housed in the remains of the Cluniac Priory of St. Mary's, founded in the early 12th century by Robert fitzSuen. The Cluniac Order had been established in Burgundy (France) in 909 with the building of the great abbey of Cluny. This order, following the rule of St. Benedict, was much favoured by the nobility of the period, including the greatest landowner in south east Essex at the time, Robert fitzSuen.

The building work began quite soon, first in wood, and by the late 12th century, in stone. While much was demolished following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, the magnificent Refectory (the dining room) has survived, although much restored, together with the Prior's Chamber and cellars below and the Cloisters. The site of the church and chapter house are marked out on adjacent lawns.

The first private owners were Thomas Audley, soon followed by Sir Richard Rich. In fact Rich bought up a large number of previously monastic properties in the area. In the late 17th century the Priory came into the hands of the Scratton family, who remained owners and Lords of the Manor of Priors until the early 20th century. In 1917 Prittlewell Priory was bought by a local businessman, Robert Arthur Jones, who presented it to the town for use as a museum. After considerable restoration the Priory opened as Southend's first dedicated museum, in 1921, at the centre of the beautiful Priory Park.

The museum now houses a major "communications" display, centred around the products of the EKCO (E.K. Cole) factory which used to stand in Priory Crescent, just to the north of the Priory. There are also major displays on the wildlife of south east Essex, and on the history of the Priory, including items found during excavations on the monastic site. But the most important artefacts are the buildings themselves, and especially the roofs.


The Priory is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm and from 2:00pm to 5:00pm (Earlier closing when Priory Park seasonally closes at an earlier time).

Address: Priory Park, Victoria ave, Southend on Sea
Phone: 01702 342878
Website: http://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/priory/priory.htm