Newark Priory | Discover Surrey's Ancient Catholic Heritage

Join me for a cinematic aerial journey over the beautiful Surrey countryside to the remarkable ruins of Newark Priory. Beginning with a low-level flight across the surrounding farmland, this film gradually reveals Newark Priory through a series of carefully edited approach shots from different angles, allowing viewers to appreciate both the scale of the site and its picturesque setting beside the River Wey. A collection of orbital flights then showcases the priory from multiple perspectives before moving closer to explore the surviving walls, arches and masonry of this historic monument. The flight concludes with a sweeping climb away from the ruins, revealing the wider landscape that has surrounded Newark Priory for centuries. [A Brief History of Newark Priory] Newark Priory was founded around 1189 by Ruald de Calva and his wife Beatrice as an Augustinian priory dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Thomas the Martyr (Thomas Becket). For more than 350 years it served as a Roman Catholic religious community, where canons lived according to the Rule of St. Augustine, dedicating themselves to prayer, worship and service. The priory was dissolved in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII, a period that transformed England's religious landscape and brought an end to many centuries-old Catholic institutions. Although much of the priory fell into ruin, its surviving remains continue to stand as a powerful reminder of England's medieval Catholic heritage. Today, Newark Priory is a Scheduled Monument and one of Surrey's most atmospheric historic sites, offering a fascinating glimpse into nearly 900 years of history. If you enjoy aerial photography, drone cinematography, historic sites and the landscapes of Surrey, please consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel and sharing your thoughts in the comments.