The Past…
Merton Priory Chapter House is arguably one of the most important heritage sites in England, linked to the origin of English Law and the likes of King John, King Henry VIII and Thomas Beckett.
This Scheduled Ancient Monument is 900 years old and from 1114 until its dissolution in 1538, Merton Priory was one of the country’s biggest and most influential monastic houses.
All that remains today are the extensive foundations of its substantial and historically important Chapter House, hidden beneath a concrete underpass between a Pizza Hut and Sainsbury’s car park.
Lack of resources has meant that the Chapter House and its archaeological relics haven’t been regularly accessible to the public.
However through a dedicated group of local volunteers, formalised in 2003 as the Merton Priory Trust, a variety of open days, craft demonstrations, drama productions, art exhibitions, popular religious events and many school visits have been held, making it an object of great fascination to visitors of all ages and disciplines, local and international alike.
Merton Priory Chapter House is truly an extraordinarily precious survival in the most surreal suburban setting. This project aimed to equip the site with suitable facilities to give it the public attention it deserves!
The Present…
Construction began on site during late 2017 to upgrade existing facilities and bring new life to the heritage asset. By spring 2018 the works were complete and had:
- Stabilised and preserved the remains of the Priory.
- Enhanced their setting and establish a modern educational and events centre with a brand, new entrance – bringing attention to the Chapter House hidden under the flyover!
- Adapted and extended existing facilities to create a state-of-the-art space for the presentation and interpretation of the archaeological remains of Merton Priory and the wider site.
The project was a collaboration between the Merton Priory Trust, Marcus Beales Architects (Project Managers) and co-funders the Living Wandle Partnership and Merton Borough Council, with all construction carried out by award winning firm HA Marks.
This project is part of the wider Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
