Bedford Abbey facts for kids
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Benedictine/Augustinian |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lincoln |
| Site | |
| Location | Bedford, Bedfordshire, England |
| Coordinates | 52°08′07″N 0°28′03″W / 52.1354°N 0.4674°W |
Bedford Abbey was a special religious building, like a large church where monks lived and prayed. It was located in Bedford, England, a long time ago in the 900s. These monks belonged to a group called the Benedictine order.
Later, around the 1100s, there was also something called Bedford Priory. A priory is similar to an abbey but usually smaller. This one was for a different group of religious people called Augustinian canons. It didn't stay in Bedford for very long and moved to a nearby place called Newnham within about twenty years.
Contents
What Was Bedford Abbey?
Bedford Abbey was a Benedictine monastery that existed in the 10th century. Monasteries were important centers for learning and prayer in medieval times. Monks lived together, following strict rules, dedicating their lives to religious study and work.
Who Was Oscytel?
One important person connected to Bedford Abbey was Oscytel. He was a very important church leader, known as the Archbishop of York. When he passed away in the year 971, his body was brought to Bedford Abbey to be buried there. This shows that the abbey was a respected and significant place at the time.
Who Was Abbot Thurcytel?
The person who brought Archbishop Oscytel's body to the abbey was its leader, an abbot named Thurcytel. An abbot is like the head of a monastery. Thurcytel is the only abbot we know about from Bedford Abbey. Later, he moved to another famous monastery called Crowland Abbey.
From Abbey to Priory
After Abbot Thurcytel, the history of Bedford Abbey becomes a bit unclear. It might have changed over time into a different religious building known as St Pauls.
The Augustinian Priory
Around the year 1166, St Pauls became an Augustinian priory. Augustinians were another type of religious community, similar to monks, but often more involved with the local community.
The Move to Newnham
Not long after its establishment, around 1180, this priory moved from Bedford to a new location in Newnham. This new place became known as Newnham Priory. So, the original Bedford Abbey and Priory eventually became part of the history of Newnham Priory.
