Postcard - Mono (Document ID: 100235)
Photograph of the "Nuns' Grave" at Kirklees Priory, near Brighouse, West Yorkshire.
Author: H.P. Kendall
Date: not dated
Location: Clifton
Format: Postcard - Mono
Document ID: 100235
Library ID: 34561025
Kirklees Priory was originally built as a Cistercian Priory by Reyner le Flemyng during the reign of King Henry II [1155], it became a nunnery before dissolution in 1539. With this dissolution the last seven nuns were driven out, three of whom sought refuge at the Three Nuns Inn, named after Cecilia Topclife, Joan Leverthorpe, and Catharine Grice. The gatehouse is all that remains of the original priory.
The picture shows the graves of Elizabeth de Stainton and another, unknown, nun. The structure is made up of two tombs, the corners have four posts with pointed tops. Railings surround the grave which has the inscription 'To Elizabeth de Stainton: late: Priores: of this: Hous: Sweet: Jesus: of: Nazareth: Grant: mercy'
The 'grave' is still standing 2003 and is a Grade II Listed Building. The following is from Calderdale Council's Listed Buildings Descriptions:
Two table tombs surrounded by octagonal tapered stone columns with pointed caps with remains of iron railings. One tomb is raised medieval grave slab with engraved crucifix, other has much weathered stone slab surrounded by C18 sides with inscription 'To Elizabeth de Stainton: late: Priores: of this: Hous: Sweet: Jesus: of: Nazareth: Grant: mercy:' G. Hepworth, 'Brighouse, its scenery and antiquities', (Halifax 1885), p.11.
The place is connected with the legend of Robin Hood, mediaeval stories saying he came seeking medical help from his cousin, the prioress, after being wounded. After bleeding him, he realised he'd been betrayed. He fired an arrow from his deathbed and asked to be buried wherever it landed. To this day, a monument exists in the woods nearer the Calder river, claiming to be Robin Hood's Grave.
The photographer, Hugh Percy Kendall, was a founder member of the Halifax Antiquarian Society in 1900 and a frequent contributor to their transactions. He was also a former president of the Halifax Photographic Society. He died in 1937 at the age of 62.
