Sopwell Priory

The priory was built c. 1140 by the Benedictine abbot of St Albans Abbey, Geoffrey de Gorham on the site of an old hermitage.

[2] Juliana Berners, a prioress during the 15th century, is believed to be the author of the Boke of St Albans published in 1486.

[3] Following the dissolution of St Albans Abbey in 1539, Sopwell Priory was bought by Sir Richard Lee, a military engineer and commander of King Henry VIII.

He tore the priory down and built a house on the site which he named Lee Hall.

"Due to the fragile nature of the bricks, specialist teams were brought in to ensure cleaning chemicals did not cause damage.