Work to restore the tower of an important Kent nunnery is due to commence. The Grade I Abbey church of Minster, also known as St Mildred’s Priory, is one of the oldest homes in England to be inhabited.

The Saxon tower was one of the two west towers of the church, the extent of which is still visible in the grass. But for the 13 sisters living next to it, it has become a problem as water seeps towards their accommodation. Now English Heritage has promised funding of £40,500 to pay for repairs.

Sub Prioress Sister Benedict Gaughan said: "We are really delighted. It can be very hard for people like us to get funds for this sort of thing but it took less than a year to arrange this and it is fantastic news. We have been very anxious about water getting into our home."

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The monks of Canterbury Cathedral in 1027 obtained the Abbey site from King Canute, King of England 1016 - 1035. In the 11th Century, the Saxon Wing was built adjacent to the remains of the west tower, which is now the only part of the abbey church left standing. At right angles to the Saxon Wing, and forming the north side of the claustral buildings, is the Norman Wing. These three buildings constitute the monastic grange; the two wings contain the accommodation for the nuns and visitors.

Zoe McMillan, English Heritage Historic Buildings Surveyor, said: "The ruins of the tower contain some very high quality stonework including the remains of the internal staircase and the site is free to visitors. We are very happy to be giving this grant to help conserve these exceptionally important remains which are both listed at grade I and scheduled."

Only a third of the original tower structure survives. The tower is made of rubblework with local stones, boulder flints from the beach and Thanet mudstone. The mortar has been washed out over the years and consolidation and repointing is needed. The ruins were consolidated in the late 1960’s but nothing has been done since then.

The wall capping is in reasonable condition, but there is a considerable amount of plant growth to the masonry which holds water against the stonework and needs to be removed.

(JM)