We do know there was a dispute over lands with Bishop Robert Chause of Carlisle (1258–78) which confirms the Priory was still in the possession of Watton in the late 13th century, and in 1336 the appropriation of Ravenstonedale church by the Priory confirms Watton’s possession at that later date.

Also, in 1405 an enquiry was held into the maintenance of the house, when it was claimed that for some time the canons had not been in residence.

Nicholson noted that a vault was visible which had been used as a prison for those on capital offences at the manorial court.

This excavation uncovered both the present visible ruins, and a range of foundations to the north of these, which are now re-covered.

Following this, consolidation work was undertaken, and the present visible ruins are the east range of the cloister probably dating from a re-modelling of existing buildings in the late 13th to 14th centuries.