Lanercost

Lanercost, an Augustinian priory, founded about 1169, lies in the valley of the Irthing, 16 miles NE. of Carlisle. It is partly in ruins; but the nave has been restored and is now used as a parish church. The Lanercost Chronicle, 1201-1346, a valuable source for Border history, was really written, not at Lanercost, but at Carlisle. It was edited in 1839 by Joseph Stevenson for the Bannatyne and Maitland Clubs. Naworth Castle, 1 mile S. of the priory, is associated with the 'Belted Will Howard' of Scott's Lay of the Last Minstrel; it contains old armour, tapestry, &c. See R. S. Ferguson's Lanercost (1870).