Lost chapel at Dunstable Priory where Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine or Aragon was annulled has been found

The Lady Chapel at Dunstable Priory, where the annulment of the marriage of Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon was agreed in 1533, has been uncovered in a ground radar survey of the site.

The Historic England survey gives a fascinating insight into Dunstable Priory and shows that the church was grander and more elaborate than originally thought.

The fieldwork carried out by Historic England’s Geophysics team, part of wider research on the Priory Gardens landscape, used Ground Penetrating Radar, a non-invasive method that allowed detailed analysis of the archaeology.

The Priory Church of St Peter, with its monastery Dunstable Priory, was founded around 1132 by Henry I for the Augustinian Canons. Today, the Priory Church of St Peter represents only the nave of the much larger original Augustinian priory church.

The survey, carried out in May last year, revealed new information about the layout of the east end of the original monastic church. In the area between the east end of the existing parish church and the lost Lady Chapel, where the annulment was agreed, a buried, curving ditch and section of wall was seen. The ditch and wall suggests that the aisled presbytery, east of the crossing tower, had an apsidal or rounded end leading to the Lady Chapel.

It is likely evidence of a stone arcade, separating the presbytery from the ambulatory – a walkway which contained the aisles around the curved eastern end - which was a common feature in cathedrals and large churches. It places Dunstable Priory amongst the grandest Augustinian houses of its day.

The Ground Penetrating Radar Survey confirmed the findings of an earlier survey undertaken by the Manshead Archaeological Society by revealing the buried outline of the Lady Chapel and details of the buttresses along the north and south walls. It also suggests that the floor of the Lady Chapel survives and may contain graves or memorial stones.

The results of the survey will help to inform the development of the Dunstable High Street Heritage Action Zone, which is run in partnership by Dunstable Town Council and Historic England.

The High Street Heritage Action Zone focuses on High Street South. Part of the high street originally formed the western boundary of Dunstable Priory’s precinct. This new research shows the clear historical link between the development of the Priory and High Street South.

Historic England’s Matt Bristow, Sarah Newsome and Dr Neil Linford will be talking about these research findings, and the life of the Dunstable Augustinian monks, on 30 April at Priory Rocks: The Hidden History Behind Priory House and Priory Church. The event is free of charge; booking is essential.

Sarah Newsome, Acting Manager, Archaeological Survey and Investigation (South and West), Historic England said: “The High Street Heritage Action Zone provides a great opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of Dunstable’s medieval priory and its buried remains which lie at the heart of the town.”

Cllr Peter Hollick, Chair of Community Services, Dunstable Town Council said: “The Dunstable Priory was of significant importance during the medieval period and is a key part of Dunstable’s heritage.”

For tickets go to http://www.dunstable.gov.uk/event/priory-rocks-the-hidden-history-behind-priory-house-and-priory-church/