Black Friars, Leicester facts for kids

Black Friars is a special area in Leicester, England. It's located just west of the main city centre. This place gets its name from an old religious building called a friary, specifically the Blackfriars, Leicester.

What is Black Friars?

Black Friars is a part of Leicester with a rich history. It's not just a modern neighbourhood. The name itself tells a story about the past. This area is known for its connection to a group of religious people. They were called friars, and they lived in a special kind of building.

The Name's Story

The name "Black Friars" comes from a group of monks. They were known as the Dominican Friars. These friars wore robes that were mostly black. Because of their black clothes, people often called them "Black Friars." When they built their home in Leicester, the area around it became known by their name.

Who Were the Black Friars?

The Black Friars were members of the Dominican Order. This order was founded by Saint Dominic in the 13th century. They were different from traditional monks. Instead of staying in one monastery, friars traveled around. They preached and taught people about their faith. They lived simple lives and relied on donations.

What Was a Friary?

A friary was a home for friars. It was similar to a monastery. However, friaries were often built in towns and cities. This allowed the friars to be closer to the people. They could easily go out and preach. The Blackfriars friary in Leicester was one such place. It was a centre for learning and worship.

History of Blackfriars in Leicester

The Black Friars played an important role in Leicester's past. Their friary was a significant building. It stood for many years in the city. The friars contributed to the community. They provided education and spiritual guidance.

Founding the Friary

The Dominican Friars arrived in Leicester a long time ago. They established their friary in the 13th century. This was a time when many new religious orders were forming. The friary was built on land given to them. It grew to include a church and living quarters. The friars lived and worked there for centuries.

The Friary's End

The friary in Leicester did not last forever. In the 16th century, a big change happened. This was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. King Henry VIII closed down many religious houses. The Blackfriars friary was one of them. Its buildings were taken over by the Crown. Eventually, they fell into ruin or were used for other purposes. Today, not much of the original friary remains. However, its memory lives on in the area's name.

Black Friars Today

Today, the Black Friars area is a busy part of Leicester. It has homes, businesses, and modern buildings. While the old friary is gone, its history is still felt. The name "Black Friars" reminds everyone of the past. It connects the present-day area to its medieval roots. It's a great example of how history shapes our towns.