Astley Priory facts for kids

Astley Priory was a special kind of monastery called a priory in Astley, Worcestershire, England. It was home to Benedictine monks.

What Was Astley Priory?

Astley Priory was founded in the 11th century, which means the 1000s. It was likely started by a person named Ralph de Todeni. A priory is a religious house, often smaller than a large abbey. Astley Priory was a "cell," which means it was a smaller part of a bigger abbey in France called St. Taurinus, in a place called Evreux. Think of it like a branch office of a main company.

The Priory's History

Around the year 1300, the priory gained control of Astley church. This meant the monks had more influence in the local area. However, things changed in 1384. A person named Sir John Beaumont, who worked for the King, bought the priory. After this, it was no longer used for religious purposes by the monks.

Changes in Ownership

In 1386, Sir John Beaumont lost his lands, and Astley Priory then went to Thomas de Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick. Later, in 1414, the King took control of the priory again. This happened because it was considered an "alien monastery." This term was used for religious houses in England that were connected to foreign abbeys, especially during times of war with France.

In 1468, King Edward IV gave the priory, or what was now more like a manor (a large estate), to a church group. This group was the dean and college of Holy Trinity in Westbury-on-Trym, which is in Gloucestershire. The King gave it to them forever.

The End of the Monasteries

A very important event in English history was the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This happened in the 1530s when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries and priories across England. In 1538, Astley Priory was given by King Henry VIII to a man named Sir Ralph Sadleir. This marked the final end of its time as a religious place.

What Remains Today

Today, there isn't much left to see of Astley Priory. You can find the Prior's Well, which is a historic well, near the entrance of St Peter's churchyard. There is also a small piece of walling at the east end of the churchyard. These small remains are a reminder of the priory that once stood there centuries ago.