Llanthony Secunda Priory

a window on the past; a place for the present

Llanthony Secunda Priory is a Wedding and Events venue set within the remains of a historic 12th-century priory

Llanthony Secunda Priory boasts Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and 5 acres of picturesque grounds. It is one of Gloucester’s most stunning landmarks and is located beside the city’s historic docks. Our unique venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for weddings, exclusive hire, concerts, private celebrations and corporate events.

Within our grounds you will see lovingly restored medieval buildings, the remains of a impressive tithe barn, a gatehouse remodelled for an victorious King and a Victorian farmhouse full of character. You will also find spacious grassy lawns, beautiful veteran trees, a cattle pond and a well maintained herb garden looked after by a dedicated volunteer team. 

With thanks to a re-formation Project, two main buildings dating from the 15th century have been restored and conserved and are now back in daily use. Llanthony Secunda Priory formally opened on the 27th August 2018 following 19 months of restoration and conservation work.

Our Information Room is open Monday to Friday for you to explore Llanthony's fascinating past. During our Open Days (April to September), visitors are welcome to step inside our beautifully restored buildings and join a guided tour to discover the rich history of one of Gloucester’s most iconic scheduled monuments.

Llanthony Secunda Priory was once a large and important Augustinian Priory which was founded outside Gloucester's city walls in 1136. A scheduled monument with listed buildings that have played an important part in Gloucester’s history for over 900 years.

Celebrate with us!

We are an idyllic destination for special Celebrations & Events

Whether you are planning your dream wedding, a special occasion or unique corporate function, we can play host to the event you’ve always dreamt of having.

We are a stunning wedding and events venue rich in history, ideally situated near Gloucester’s historic docks and the village of Hempsted. Just a short walk from the city centre, our prime location offers convenient access to a wide range of nearby accommodation options. Within our grounds, you and your guests are afforded tranquillity and easy-access to the City and transport links. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is also on our doorstep with Gloucester's second most photographed attraction, The Sula Lightship, providing some truly unique photo opportunities.

Ali Horton Photography

The Lost Library of Llanthony

Watch the documentary now!

We're delighted to announce that the Lost Library of Llanthony is now available online! The fascinating documentary rediscover's a very special library of medieval manuscripts created by the scholars of Llanthony Secunda. To this day, the library is still considered one of the richest and best-documented medieval English book collections in the country.

This remarkable library is no longer in Gloucester but is scattered across the world, and this new documentary film traces the stories the books tell, how they were created, and how they survived almost certain destruction.

Our History

The Priory, one of several religious foundations in Gloucester, existed for 400 years.  It owned properties and land both in Gloucester and the surrounding counties – as far afield as Ireland – churches, farms, fish weirs, quarries and manor houses.

Come in and visit where canons worked and lived; where royal visitors such as Henry VII came to stay. 

Imagine how everything changed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries – the buildings and church taken down or used as farms and orchards; how the Civil War affected the Priory and when the industrial revolution took place, the canal was built and it was surrounded by railway lines and yards.

Hidden Archaeology

The church and cloisters have disappeared, buried underneath surrounding industry. There is always more to be discovered; illuminated manuscripts, hidden archaeology and fascinating stories of the people who have live here over the centuries.

Llanthony in medieval times was a “noble house……set about handsomely with pleasure gardens”, providing hospitality, learning and employment.  Today, a miracle of survival, the Priory provides a great welcome for all, important once again to Gloucester and its community.

The History  Visit Us

Original brick found at Llanthony Secunda Priory