STORIES of the monks of Kirkham Priory are being told through a display of new artefacts as the priory reopens for the new season.

The cheeky gargoyle-like stone head is one of the artefacts on display for the first time at the priory near Malton.

Susan Harrison, curator for English Heritage, which owns the site, said the gargoyle offered a clue to the monks’ psyche after they made a name for themselves with their less-than-saintly behaviour.

The Augustinian Black Canons, who built Kirkham Priory in 1121, were reprimanded by the then Archbishop of York for “drinking and indecent pleasure” outside the priory precincts. One of the monks was also jailed for 17 years for forging letters to obtain money from gullible benefactors.

She said: “These tales paint a rich impression of life at Kirkham. The priory always struggled for cash compared with richer houses, but its mission was different as the brothers were in fact ordained priests.”

Other items in the display include a water tap adorned with cockerel motifs, a case with complete vanity mirror and floor tiles.