Thurgarton is a lesser known place of pilgrimage for Christians wishing to pay respects to the mystical prelate, Walter Hilton.

Controversy with "enthusiasts" and with the Lollard movement gave a sharper definition to his exposition of the aims, methods and disciplines of traditional spirituality.

Among his major works, Ladder of Perfection (Book Two) declares that contemplation, understood in a profoundly Trinitarian context as awareness of grace and sensitivity to the Spirit, may and should be sought by all serious Christians.

The following is adapted from an extract from White's Directory of Nottingham, from the 1853 edition: "Thurgarton is a pleasant village and parish, situated at the foot of a declivity overlooking the vale of the Trent, three miles (5 km) south of Southwell.

The greater part of the remainder belongs to Richard Milward Esq., who is lord of the manor, and who resides at Thurgarton Priory, a large handsome mansion.

"The old priory was taken down in the mid-18th century by J. G. Cooper Esq., who erected the present mansion on its site, the cellars of which are the only portions of the religious sanctuary that now remain.

(equivalent to £220,000 as of 2023),[5] The antiquary must be allowed to lament the false taste which dictated the destruction of so noble a monument of ancient grandeur.

"The church, dedicated to St Peter, is situated near the priory, and has been a large magnificent structure, though it now consists only of one aisle.

The two livings have recently been augmented to the value of £450 by Trinity College, Cambridge, and in 1850 a large, handsome parsonage house was erected for the present incumbent, the Rev.