Merton Priory to feature on Today Programme

The ruins of Merton Prior, near Colliers Wood in South London are scheduled to be discussed on the Today Programme on Radio Four at 8.15am today. Merton was a major Augustinian house from 1117 - 1538 AD.

The setting of two royal coronations - those of Eleanor of Provence in 1236, and Henry VI in 1437 - the nave of the church was longer than Westminster Abbey. Saint Thomas Becket was educated there.

The superstructure of the church was dismantled during the Reformation in 1538 and the stones were used in the construction of nearby Nonsuch Place. The foundations of the monastery complex remain largely intact.

The grounds over Merton Priory are the currently subject of a proposed new development for housing, a hotel and leisure centre, and extension of the Merton Abbey Mills market.

Supporters would like to see a heritage and information centre for the neglected site. This Sunday at 3pm Friends of Merton Priory are holding Nones at Merton.

For more information contact: Mertpri@aol.com

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