Armathwaite Nunnery facts for kids

Armathwaite Nunnery was a special place where Benedictine nuns lived and prayed a long time ago in Cumbria, England. It was a type of monastery for women. The nunnery was located near two rivers, the Croglin Water and the River Eden. At first, it was known as the nunnery of Ainstable.

How it Started

The story of how Armathwaite Nunnery began is a bit unclear. Some old documents say it was founded by King William Rufus around 1089. These documents claimed he gave the nuns land and special rights. This was supposedly to honor Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

However, historians believe these documents were not real. They think the nuns created them later. This was probably to get back land and rights they had lost after attacks from the Scots. In 1480, the prioress (the head nun) and the other nuns had these documents officially checked and confirmed. Even though the documents were not completely accurate, it is certain the nunnery was built before the year 1200.

There was also a claim that the nunnery offered "sanctuary." This meant people could be safe there from harm. A stone pillar with a cross and the words 'Sanctuarium 1088' was placed near the nunnery. This pillar likely marked the sanctuary area.

Life at the Nunnery

The earliest true record of the nunnery is from around 1200. It mentions the nuns of 'Ainstapillith' having land. The nuns were allowed to choose their own prioress. The local bishop would then confirm their choice.

Life for the nuns was often hard because they lived close to the Scottish border. In 1318, they were so badly damaged by Scottish raids that they didn't have to pay taxes. But they also had many local supporters.

• In 1356, Dame Agnes gave them 10 shillings.
• In 1358, John de Salkeld gave them 40 shillings.
• In 1362, Richard de Ulnesby gave them a cow.
• In 1376, William de London gave them money.
• In 1379, Roger de Salkeld also gave them money.

The nunnery's value was recorded over time. In 1291, it was worth £10. By 1535, its value had increased to £19 2s. 2d. This included money from a local church. The nunnery owned land in several nearby villages. Their largest property was called 'the Nouneclose,' which was 216 acres.

Leaders of Armathwaite Nunnery

Here are some of the prioresses (leaders) of Armathwaite Nunnery:

• Isabel, died 1362
• Katherine de Lancaster, elected 1362
• Isabel, mentioned in 1480
• Isabel Otteley, died 1507
• Agnes or Annis Elvyngton, died 1507
• Agnes or Anne Derwentwater, mentioned in 1535 and 1537

After the Nunnery Closed

The nunnery closed down around July 1537. At that time, there was a prioress and three other nuns living there. None of them were accused of any wrongdoing. Anne Derwentwater, the last prioress, received a yearly payment after the nunnery closed.

After the nunnery was dissolved, its land and buildings were leased and then sold. The buildings were given to William Grayme in 1552. Later, they passed to the Aglionby family. The house that stands on the site today was built by Henry Aglionby. In 1840, parts of the old monastery walls were still visible next to the house.