Situated between Hitchin and Bedford, the Priory stands within the grounds of a former US airbase, now owned by the Ministry of Defence. It is the one surviving cloister of two built for the Nuns and Canons of the monastic Order, the Gilbertines. Of the 25 monasteries/convents of this English monastic Order, Chicksands has the most significant remains in evidence; the 13th century vaulting, medieval roof timbers and stained glass have all survived. In 1150 Payne de Beauchamp granted a manor to the Gibertines, one of 9 religious houses in England to enclose both men and women. After the dissolution, the Priory was leased to Thomas Wyndham and later passed to the Osborns who owned it for 400 years. Modifications were made to the original building in 1813 when architect James Wyatt, designed the entrance hall, staircase and porch in the Gothic Style. Tours are by appointment only through The Friends of Chicksands Priory.