Grace Dieu Priory
Explore the peaceful 13th-century ruins of Grace Dieu Priory, a secluded Augustinian nunnery in the Leicestershire countryside, now a quiet haven of history and nature.
Grace Dieu Priory is a peaceful 13th-century Augustinian nunnery ruin nestled in the Leicestershire countryside near Coalville. Founded around 1239 by noblewoman Roesia de Verdun, it once housed a community of Augustinian canonesses known as the White Nuns of St Augustine. Today, ivy-clad stone walls and arches stand as a quiet testament to medieval monastic life, cared for by a local trust and open to visitors exploring history, nature, and quiet reflection in the National Forest.
A brief summary to Grace Dieu Priory
- Ashby Rd, Coalville, LE67 5UG, GB
- +441530454545
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in spring to see the surrounding woodland carpeted with bluebells, especially along the old railway line.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the ground around the ruins can be uneven and muddy, particularly after rain.
- Bring a small torch if exploring in low light; some areas are shaded by trees and ivy, making details hard to see.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Grace Dieu Woods and the nearby National Forest trails for a full day in nature.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Coalville, follow Ashby Road east towards Thringstone; Grace Dieu Priory is clearly signposted from the main road. There is a small informal parking area near the entrance, suitable for standard vehicles, but space is limited and the access track can be muddy after rain.
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On foot
From Thringstone village, follow public footpaths and woodland trails through Grace Dieu Woods; the walk takes about 15–20 minutes on well-maintained but sometimes uneven paths, suitable for moderate fitness.
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By bus
Local bus services run along Ashby Road between Coalville and Ashby de la Zouch; alight at a nearby stop and walk about 10–15 minutes along the roadside and then woodland paths to reach the priory entrance.
Grace Dieu Priory location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Grace Dieu Priory
A Noblewoman’s Vision
Grace Dieu Priory was founded around 1239 by Roesia de Verdun, a powerful and independent noblewoman of the 13th century. As a widow and heiress to extensive lands, she chose to dedicate her wealth and status to religious life, establishing a house for Augustinian canonesses dedicated to God, the Holy Trinity and St Mary. The name Grace Dieu, meaning ‘Grace of God’ in French, reflects the spiritual foundation she envisioned. Unlike many monastic houses, this priory was unusually independent, with its nuns calling themselves the White Nuns of St Augustine and wearing white habits rather than the more common black. Roesia’s tomb was later moved to St John’s Church in Belton, but her legacy lives on in the ruins that still stand today.Life Within the Walls
At its height in the 14th century, Grace Dieu housed around sixteen nuns living under a strict rule that forbade them from ever leaving the priory precincts. This seclusion was central to their contemplative life of prayer and meditation. The community was supported by lands in Belton and Lincolnshire, and the priory also maintained an attached hospital that cared for twelve poor people, reflecting its role as both a spiritual and charitable centre. The Augustinian canonesses followed a life of simplicity and devotion, their days shaped by the rhythms of the liturgical hours and manual work. The priory’s independence and unusual customs make it a distinctive example of medieval female monasticism in England.Dissolution and Ruin
Grace Dieu Priory survived the first wave of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the smaller monasteries but was finally suppressed in October 1538. After dissolution, the site passed into secular hands: first to Sir Humphrey Foster, then to John Beaumont, Master of the Rolls, who converted the buildings into a residence. The priory remained a private home for generations until the late 17th century, when Sir Ambrose Phillipps acquired it and had most of the buildings demolished. By the 18th century, only fragments of the original structure remained roofed, and the site gradually became the romantic ruin we see today, slowly reclaimed by ivy and woodland.Rediscovery and Renewal
By the 1990s, Grace Dieu Priory had become little more than a pile of ivy-covered stone, at risk of being lost entirely. A dedicated group of local people formed the Grace Dieu Priory Charitable Trust and began a long process of conservation and restoration. Their work has preserved the remaining walls, arches and foundations, making the site accessible to the public once again. Today, the ruins are maintained by the Friends of Grace Dieu Priory, who ensure that this important piece of Leicestershire’s heritage remains open for visitors to explore, photograph and reflect upon.Atmosphere and Landscape
The priory sits in a quiet, wooded setting near Thringstone, within the National Forest. The surrounding woodland, once part of the medieval estate, is now a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for walking and nature observation. Bluebells carpet the ground in spring, and the old railway line that once served the area adds another layer of history to the landscape. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative, with the ruins standing as a quiet counterpoint to the surrounding trees and undergrowth. It’s easy to imagine the nuns’ daily life here, their voices rising in prayer within walls now open to the sky.Visiting the Ruins
Today, Grace Dieu Priory is a free-to-enter historical site that appeals to history enthusiasts, walkers and those seeking a quiet place for reflection. The ruins are not extensive, but they are evocative, with standing walls, window openings and fragments of masonry that hint at the priory’s former scale. Information boards help visitors understand the layout and history of the buildings. The site is informal and unstaffed, with no visitor centre or ticketing, but it is well cared for and clearly signposted. It makes a rewarding stop when combined with a walk through the surrounding woods or a visit to nearby Ashby de la Zouch.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Old John Tower
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Bradgate Park
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Manor Farm Park & Woodlands
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Craig Riley @ Donington Manor Hotel
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John's House
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Sapori Restaurant & Bar
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The Bulls Head Repton
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The Windmill Inn
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The Boot Inn
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Hammer & Pincers
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La Rock Restaurant
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Black Iron
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Carnero Lounge
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Emily's Steakhouse
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The Dining Room
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Shop
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Winged Ape Vintage
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Wheelers Luxury Gifts
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Typically Unique
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Watkinghams Gift & Homeware Store
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Forget Me Knot Leicester Ltd
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A Few Nice Things UK
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Kim's Handmade Gift Shop
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Something Different
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The Range, Leicester
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Tubo Gift Shop
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The Source
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Menkind
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Set
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Spirit Vaults
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The Cross Keys
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The Bell & Castle
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The White Horse
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
