Ashridge Priory facts for kids
Ashridge Priory was an important religious building in England during the Middle Ages. It was a type of monastery called an abbey, run by a group known as the Brothers of Penitence. The priory was started by Edmund in 1283. He gave the abbey a special gift: a small bottle said to contain Christ's blood.
After the priory stopped being a religious place, it became a home for important people. It was owned by Mary Tudor, Queen of France and later by the future queen Elizabeth I. The building was eventually bought by Sir Thomas Egerton in 1604. Later, a descendant, the Duke of Bridgewater, had the old priory torn down.
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History of Ashridge Priory
How Ashridge Priory Started
In 1283, Edmund founded a new monastery. Edmund was the son of Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, who owned Berkhamsted Castle. This castle was only about two and a half miles away from Ashridge.
The monastery was built for a leader called a rector and twenty canons. Canons were like priests who lived together in a religious community. They belonged to a new group called the Brothers of Penitence, also known as "Boni homines." The building of the priory was finished in 1285.
The Special Gift and Pilgrims
When the abbey was founded, Edmund gave it a very special item. This was a small bottle, or phial, said to contain Christ's blood. Because of this important gift, a nearby place called St Margaret's Convent, Hertfordshire was also founded.
This holy item attracted many pilgrims from all over Europe. Pilgrims are people who travel to a sacred place for religious reasons. Their visits and donations helped the abbey become quite wealthy.
Royal Visits and Changes
One famous visitor to Ashridge Priory was King Edward I. In 1290, he held a special meeting of parliament at the abbey. This happened while he was spending Christmas nearby in Pitstone.
The last rector of the priory was Thomas Waterhouse. He handed over the building to King Henry VIII. This happened during a time when many monasteries in England were being closed down. After this, Ashridge Priory was no longer used as a religious abbey.
From Priory to Royal Home
After the priory was closed, it was given to Mary Tudor, Queen of France. She was the sister of King Henry VII. Later, it became the private home of the future queen Elizabeth I.
In 1554, Elizabeth was actually arrested at Ashridge Priory. This happened because she was suspected of treason. Treason means being disloyal to the ruler or country. This suspicion came during a time of trouble called Wyatt's rebellion.
The End of the Old Priory
In 1604, Sir Thomas Egerton bought the priory. His descendant, the Duke of Bridgewater, decided to tear down the old buildings. This happened in the 1760s.
