Anniversaryf Address. 133 



In a deep dark dell, at the bend of the river on the north bank 

 of the Coquet, stands Brinkbnrn Prior}^, one of the finest relics of 

 the transitional period in England. The site of the monastery 

 must have been chosen, vrith a view to perfect seclusion. The 

 opposite bank is rocky and precipitous, and covered with wood. 

 The approach is partly cut through a rock, and affords no view 

 of the building till we come within a few yards of the north door 

 of the church. 



The Priory chapel, with the exception of the roofs and the 

 south-west angle of the nave, Avas in very perfect preservation ; 

 and some years ago, it was in contemplation to restore the roof,^ 

 in order that Divine service might be celebrated there. Mainly 

 through the energy of the late Archdeacon Sharp, Vicar of the 

 adjoining parish of Hartburn, a fund was collected by public 

 subscription for the purpose ; but the then proprietor, Mr. 

 Fenwick, claimed the building as his private property, and the 

 attempt was not made. The fund has remained in the hands of 

 the Archdeacons of Northumberland until it now amounts to up- 

 wards of £3000. 



The roofs of the chapel, and the dilapidated parts of the stone 

 work, have recently been restored at a very considerable cost ; 

 under the able direction of T. Austin, Esq., Architect, Newcastle. 

 The good work which has been accomphshed, is entirely the result 

 of private exertions ; and the restoration will proceed until the 

 building is rendered, once more, a fitting' temple for the worship 

 of God. Some difficulty has occurred respecting the appropria- 

 tion of the fund, but it is hoped that it may yet be overcome. As 

 the object for which it was raised is attained, an attempt is about 

 to be made to make it applicable to the payment of a clergyman, 

 and to allow the Yicar of Felton to cede the chapelry of Framhng- 

 ton, which, united to Brinkburn, shall constitute a benefice. 



The history of the Monastery of Brinkburn, Brenkburn, or 

 Brincaburgh is very obscure. William Bertram, second Baron 

 of Mitford, is generally beheved to be the founder, in the reign 

 of Henry I. Leland attributes the foundation to a member of the^ 

 famihes of Eelton or Lisle. An abstract of the Brinkburn char- 

 tulary is j^riuted in the Archaeologia iEhana. It is now the- 

 property of C. H. Cadogan, Esq., whose modern residence occu- 

 pies part of the site of the monastic buildings. I am glad to have 

 this opportunity of expressing our obKgations to him, for his 

 kindness in permitting us to view this interesting relic ; as well as 

 for his courtesy in affording information regarding the restoration . . 



