Inside the Rugeley care home that sits in a former Dominican priory and has its own church and organ

Originally named 'Hawksyard Priory', the historic Grade II listed building sits on Armitage Lane, Brereton, Cannock, and was developed on Armitage Park.

Looking at the building, it's easy to see its religious history.

The exterior of the priory features tall intricate walls with large beautiful windows encompassing an internal courtyard, however, while the brickwork itself is historic, the real history lies indoors.

Inside

As we enter the building, we are faced with a long - almost regal - hallway, all leading to rooms that the friars would slept, ate and worked in.

While the priory was built in 1883, the ground's history can be tracked as far back as 1270, and at one point acted as a the hairess of Lichfield, and even Mary Spode, widow of Josiah Spode the third, grandson of Josiah Spode, of the prestigious Spode Pottery Works.

Talking about the historic origins of the priory, care home manager Paul Smith said: "The building was actually built in 1886. This care home was converted from a working Dominican Priory and is an absolute gem to have as a home really. 

"It's fantastic really. It's a lovely building. I've never seen another care home with its own registered organ. The residents always say how lovely and tranquil it is."

While the care home may have changed over the years to cater to its elderly residents, the sense of regality that would have been present when its previous prestigious owners occupied the building remains.

Walking towards the historic on-site church felt more akin to walking the halls of Buckingham Palace than through the hallways of a carehome.

Church

Perhaps the most unique quirk of St Thomas Priory is its on-site church. A place of worship that would have been used by the Dominican Friars as part of their daily prayers.

The church was developed between 1896 and 1914 by Edward Goldie and consists of a beautiful hammer and beam roof with eight large window bays.

Dressed in religious motifs and iconography, it's impossible not to feel at peace when entering the church, however, the most eye-catching item is the antique organ.

Sitting at the back of St Thomas Priory's church is its own registered organ that was builty by the renowned organ builder, Father Bernard Smith, in the 17th century.

Hailing from the prestigious Eton College, the organ is registered on the Natonal Pipe Organ Register, with Mr Smith saying the instrument only adds to the building's heritage.

He said, said: "We have our own registered organ here too. It's fantastic really to have all this history and heritage in this building where our residents can enjoy it.

"We are always told how tranquil it is here, and you could fully imagine religious people living here at some point."

Mr Smith said that plans are in place to carry out renovation works on the building, where once completed, the priory will be opened up to the public so they can share in the history.

He said: "We are actually hoping to start a restoration plan that will allow us to work on the building itself and encourage the local community to be a part of our home here."

When the restoration plans come to light, not only will the residents of St Thomas Priory be able to enjoy the venue, but also the community too.

In conclusion, St Thomas Priory is a care home that's building is steeped in a long and rich history.

Where friars once lived peaceful lives, offering comfort and respite to those who required it, now a fantastic team of carers offers care services to our elderly.

A fitting tribute to the history of the grand building.