Images of Norton Priory in Runcorn reveal bird’s eye view of history

Aug 12 2010 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

STUNNING aerial images of a Runcorn heritage site have been released.

The pictures, which were taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), give a rare glimpse of Norton Priory’s ruins and the Georgian Walled Garden.

Archaeologists hope to unravel more of the site’s 800 years of mysteries by analysing the snapshots.

Aerial photography can be used to pick up details that would be unseen to the naked eye at ground level.

Lynn Smith, Norton Priory senior keeper, said: “The photos which Greg from Suave UAV Enterprises has taken have given us a really fascinating new perspective on the historic landscape.

“You can really understand the layout of the medieval buildings and pick out the cross shape of the church.

“Even the unusual shape of the Walled Garden can clearly be seen.

“This gives a really good record of the site as well as helping us to interpret the area for our visitors.”