The Benedictine Priory of St Mary (Sopwell Priory) and the post-medieval mansions known as Sopwell House or Lee Hall

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Sopwell Priory is a Benedictine nunnery founded in the late twelfth century as a daughter house of the Abbey of St Albans, situated near St Albans in Hertfordshire. The priory was dissolved during the Reformation in the sixteenth century, after which the site was developed with post-medieval mansions, including structures known as Sopwell House or Lee Hall that utilised elements of the earlier monastic buildings. Fragmentary remains of the priory survive within the later domestic structures, reflecting the transformation of the site from religious to secular use following the dissolution. The monument is notable for demonstrating the continuity of occupation and architectural adaptation across the medieval to post-medieval transition.

The Benedictine Priory of St Mary (Sopwell Priory) and the post-medieval mansions known as Sopwell House or Lee Hall is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1019137. View the official record →

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