Norton Priory

Today we took my Mum to visit Norton Priory.  Despite living here as a child and for the past 21 years, I have never been here, even though it is only 7 miles away! How often do we not go to places that are right on our own doorstep?

We had a good look around the museum which houses thousands of items discovered in the area and it is apparently the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Excavations are still happening to this day. 
It's possible to explore the 12th century undercroft with it's beautiful vaulted ceiling and the priory ruins showing the layout of the medieval buildings. 

After a nice pub lunch nearby, we went back to walk around the walled garden, which held a large herb garden, vegetable garden, roses, hot border and the national collection of tree quince. 

At the moment there is also a calligraphy trail with items placed around the garden which I was quite entranced by. Lots of sayings and comments about nature and it's healing powers. It was just lovely - I've put a few shots on a collage in extras. 

A thoroughly enjoyable day.