Barton Priory facts for kids
Barton Priory (also known as Burton Oratory) was a priory on the Isle of Wight, England. A priory is a type of monastery where religious people, often monks or nuns, live and pray together.
Discovering Barton Priory's History
Barton Priory was a religious house that closed down a long time ago, even before many other similar places. Because of this, its history was almost forgotten. Some early writers on religious buildings didn't even know it existed.
Luckily, the history of Barton Priory was found in the records of John of Pontoise, who was the Bishop of Winchester. These records showed the rules for the priory, which were set by its founders, John de Insula and Thomas de Winton. They were both rectors (church leaders) from nearby towns.
Rules of the Priory
The founders created specific rules for the Oratory of the Holy Trinity of Burton. These rules helped guide the people living and working there:
- There would be six chaplains (priests) and one clerk. They would pray for both living and dead people.
- One chaplain would be chosen as the archpriest, who was the leader. The others would promise to obey him.
- The archpriest would be chosen by the chaplains within 20 days if the position became empty.
- The priory was directly under the authority of the Bishop of Winchester.
- When a chaplain passed away, their belongings would stay with the priory.
- They would usually have one meal with a small extra dish, except on special holidays when they could have three dishes.
- They had to be dedicated to reading and praying.
- They were not allowed to leave the priory grounds without permission from the archpriest.
- Their clothes had to be one color, either black or blue.
- The archpriest would sit at the head of the table during meals.
- The clerk would read something educational to them while they ate.
- They all slept in one room.
- They had a special prayer for people who had helped the priory.
- They followed the customs of Sarum (an old set of church practices) for their ceremonies and bell ringing.
- Only the archpriest was in charge of the priory's business.
- Everyone joining the priory had to promise to follow these rules.
Changes Over Time
Thomas de Winton and John de Insula gave the control of their priory at Burton (in the parish of Whippingham) to the Bishop of Winchester. They wanted the bishop to protect and defend the priory and its members. This happened around the year 1289.
Later, the archpriest was suspended by the bishop, and the dean of the island had to take care of the priory. At another time, the archpriest was held captive in France, and the priory building itself was falling apart. The bishop ordered that the building be repaired.
In the 18th year of King Henry VI's reign (around 1440–1441), the priory was given over to the bishop. Then, with the help of Bishop Wainfleet, the priory and its lands were given to Winchester College. This included the manor of Whippingham and lands at Burton (Barton) and Chale.
Today, the site and lands of the priory are still held under a lease from Winchester College. A part of the original building still stands, showing a glimpse of its long history.
