Lanercost Abbey was founded about 1144 as an Augustinian priory. A quiet and peaceful place today, it is difficult to imagine it during times of violent Border warfare in the Middle Ages. Pillaged by the Scots in revenge for the invasion of Scotland by King John, laid waste again by Robert the Bruce, and still being harried by the Scots in the 16th century it is amazing that so much of it has survived in good condition.