Medieval festival allowed visitors to dive into the fascinating history of Cartmel.

Cartmel village hosted a medieval fair on Saturday September 30, with stalls, historical re-enactments and guided tours to bring the past to life.

Inside the priory, Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society was giving tours, showing visitors the past as they walked around the village to the square, passing a lot of old buildings.

Guides treated visitors to 800 years’ worth of stories and events from Scottish raids and the Dissolution of the monasteries to Cromwell and his men storming the village.

“It’s a beautiful setting and quite a spectacular place in a small village,” Priory volunteer, Jeff Appleyard explained the history of the Priory, “It’s great to see so many people in the village.”

Jeff explained the history of the Priory and why it is so important to Cartmel.

William Marshal founded Cartmel Priory in 1189, he served as advisor to four kings over the course of his life and oversaw the signing of the Magna Carta. As thanks for his role in placating the rebellion William was gifted land by King Henry II that he used to found his priory.

The priory flourished and was home to around 12 monks throughout the 1400s until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1536 and the roof was taken off. Today you can still see the scars left from being exposed to the weather.

After 80 years open to the elements, a new roof was commissioned by George Preston when he bought the surrounding land and built his family estate, Holker Hall.

On November 28, 1643, Thomas Cromwell’s men stormed the Priory on horseback, the damage made by a muscat can still be seen today.

After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the priory was left alone and somewhat neglected until it was extensively repaired between 1827 and 1870.

Today it is open to everyone, offering services as well as historical insight.