Built on a promontory overlooking North Shields, a Benedictine Priory has existed here since the seventh century and served as the buriaal place of the Kings of Northumbria. The priory was re-founded in 1090AD by the Earl of Northumberland and granted to the Abbey of St Albans. Whe it was supressed in 1538 there were 15 monks and 3 novices.