The Vicar of Lancaster, Rev. Leah Vasey Saunders, has said she is ‘thrilled’ that Lancaster Priory features prominently on a new version of the game ‘Monopoly’. 

A new and official version of Monopoly was launched recently in the city.  

In all, around 30 of Lancaster’s finest landmarks are being honoured on the board, including the Priory; while the Priory is also one of 10 of those 30 to also feature on the game box front. 

Over the last 25 years Custom Games and Winning Moves UK have produced many versions of Monopoly - from Palm Springs to Phuket and Dubai to Dublin.  

Now the Monopoly dice have tumbled into Lancaster. 

It was earlier this year when it was announced the Lancashire city was getting its very own official version of the world’s most popular board game.  

At the time the public was invited to send in suggestions for Lancaster landmarks and organisations to feature in the game and the Priory made the final list.  

Speaking at the launch of the game, Rev. Leah said: “We are absolutely thrilled our beloved Priory Church of St Mary will be on the new Lancaster Monopoly Board!” 

Holding a giant version of the Priory Monopoly square, Rev. Leah continued: “We think Custom Games have appropriately identified that our medieval church is “inclusive to all, exceedingly high profile and very old. 

“So the Old Kent Road square we have been allocated seems a great fit and our congregation is looking forward to playing the game under our historic rafters.” 

Ella Gibbs, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, added: “We have been wonderfully spoiled for choices putting this new version of the game together.

"The response from the public to the Lancaster Monopoly has been overwhelming. A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who sent in nominations.” 

• Top pic: Rev. Leah Vasey-Saunders holds the Lancaster Priory Monopoly square at the launch of the game
• Lower pic: The Lancaster City Monopoly game box with the Priory featured bottom left 

Ronnie Semley, October 2023