We are delighted to welcome the Friends of Launceston Priory as new affiliates of the Federation. Their dedication to safeguarding one of Cornwall’s most significant monastic sites makes them a natural and valued addition to our wider family.
Launceston Priory—once “the wealthiest and largest religious house in Cornwall” and rediscovered in the late 19th century when Otho Peter revealed “walls, floors and masonry of a church over 200 feet long”—remains a place of deep historical and spiritual resonance.
Formed by Launceston Town Council in 2008 as part of the successful initiative to conserve the Grade II* listed site, the Friends continue the work begun during that restoration. Though small in number, they are impressively active in promoting and caring for the Priory. Their aims are “to provide long term means of celebrating and promoting the historical, educational, and spiritual aspects of the Priory for both locals and visitors,” while supporting the site’s role in local tourism.
Their outreach is wide‑ranging:
– producing teachers’ information for local primary schools
– supporting Launceston College’s “Castles Day”
– hosting a dedicated teachers’ event to raise awareness of the Priory
– organising occasional services within the ruins and fostering ecumenical links with Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Methodist communities
– giving talks to local and regional groups
– opening the site for National Archaeology Week and welcoming visiting parties
The Friends’ commitment ensures that the Priory remains not only a peaceful and reflective place, but also a living part of Launceston’s cultural landscape. We look forward to working closely with them in the years ahead, strengthening the shared mission to celebrate and safeguard Cornwall’s heritage.
Link: https://launcestonpriory.org.uk
Information on all our wonderful affiliates can be found: https://kernowgoth.org/member-societies/affiliated-associated-societies/