Llanthony Secunda Priory, a remarkable 12th-century Augustinian heritage site in Gloucester, has been awarded a £235,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to safeguard its future. Dating back to 1136, this historic building stands as a testament to nearly 900 years of rich history, making it a unique cultural landmark.
Managed by the Llanthony Secunda Priory Trust, the site previously benefited from a significant £3.2 million Heritage Fund grant in 2016. That funding enabled extensive restoration, including renovations to the Medieval Range, Victorian Farmhouse, and Brick Range, as well as improvements to the surrounding grounds. The Priory reopened to the public in 2018, marking a new chapter in its preservation.
This latest funding, awarded over three years under the initiative Llanthony Secunda Priory: Resilient and Sustainable, supports the Trust’s commitment to maintaining and revitalizing the site for public enjoyment. The grant will enable the appointment of a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation, oversee staff and volunteer development, and implement a refreshed strategy for income generation and fundraising.
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Furthermore, the project will invest in staff and volunteer training, upgrade digital infrastructure with a new website and ticketing platform, and enhance marketing efforts to deepen audience engagement. Continued income will also be generated through events, weddings, and venue hire, while plans to restore and repurpose remaining historic buildings and canal-side land will ensure the Priory’s sustainable management.
Paul James, Chair of Trustees at Llanthony Secunda Priory, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are thrilled to receive this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue advancing our goal of long-term sustainability for the Trust. I also thank our dedicated team and partners who contributed to this successful application.”
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added, “We’re delighted to support Llanthony Secunda Priory with this funding made possible by National Lottery players. This project not only preserves a remarkable heritage site but also strengthens the organisation’s future. Our mission is to help heritage sites adapt and thrive, and this grant is a vital step in that direction.”