29/09/2026
Good evening to everyone in Facebook-land on a lovely peaceful evening at Birkenhead Priory.
Today we thought that we’d share a recent photo of the Alms Window located in the monk’s Parlour of the Western Range of Birkenhead Priory. Those in need or in trouble would have made their way through the forests that surrounded this area over 800 years ago to this window to seek shelter, food, sanctuary, healing from sickness (in the Priory infirmary) and spiritual guidance.
Our photo today allows us to look through the Alms Window and through the monk’s Parlour to the doorway into the Priory Cloisters. We can also see the door that leads us into our breathtaking intact Chapter House, which was built in 1150 and is the oldest standing building on Merseyside.
The Western Range includes the Great Hall, the Prior’s Lodgings and the monks Parlour and is the only area of the Priory site in ruins. The ground level here would have been approximately five foot lower than it stands today. As many of you know, we have an intact Undercroft c.late 1200’s, an intact Chapter House c.1150, the monk’s Refectory c.late 1200’s and the Scriptorium (HMS Conway Museum) c.1300’s.
The Birkenhead monks were of the silent Benedictine order and held responsibility to provide hospitality to travellers and visitors. They ran the first “ferry across the Mersey” twice a day from 1150 until 1536 rowing across often perilous waters due to the currents and tides of the River Mersey. They farmed the land, fished, provided alms and hospitality to the needy and dedicated their lives to their own spiritual development and prayer.
Birkenhead Priory is a Scheduled Ancient Monument; the highest status that can be achieved historically. (Stone Henge is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which reflects the value and importance that is accorded our remarkable FREE site).
SUMMER OPENING HOURS:
(Ending Sunday 25th October 2026)
Wednesday to Friday: 1pm to 5pm AND
Saturdays & Sundays: 10am to 5pm.
St Mary’s Tower is locked at 4.30pm.
FREE ENTRY (Cash donations accepted).
Guided Tours. (See Facebook or website for Daily Tour Schedule).
Groups of 8+ requiring a Guided Tour need to book for 2027 via email: [email protected]
SCHOOLS can book for 2027 via:
[email protected]
DOGS on leads are welcome to all areas.
Photo by Samantha Higgins.