120 pages, 185 illustrations (plans, map, photos)
This book describes the history and remains of two hundred nunneries which once existed in Britain and Ireland. Most of these monasteries survived until dissolved during the Reformation of the mid 16th century, although many of them, especially some of the Irish nunneries, were poorly endowed. Only a third of these buildings are now represented by obvious standing remains but earthworks or minor relics survive of many others. Nunneries tended to be smaller and of less political, social and architectural importance than houses of monks or regular canons, but a superb Norman church remains intact at Romsey in Hampshire and there is a well-preserved set of claustral buildings at Lacock in Wiltshire. Other remains are to be found in lesser-known rural churches and in private houses and farm buildings out in the countryside.
Available as a separate item (add £2.50 for postage) or as part of a five-volume monastic sites set for £40, including postage.