Blackborough Priory facts for kids
Blackborough Priory ruins
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Priory of St. Mary and St. Catherine |
| Established | 1150 |
| Disestablished | 1537 |
| Dedicated to | Blessed Virgin and St Catherine |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Roger de Scales and Muriel de Scales (née Lisewis) |
| Architecture | |
| Completion date | 1150 |
| Site | |
| Location | Blackborough End, King's Lynn, Norfolk, England |
| Coordinates | 52°41′54″N 0°28′33″E / 52.698471°N 0.475943°E |
| Visible remains | South wall of the church |
| Public access | By appointment only (with Heathlands Farm) |
Blackborough Priory was once a special religious building in Norfolk, England. It was home to a group of Benedictine monks and later, nuns. This historic site is about 5 miles (8 km) south-east of King's Lynn. You can still see hints of its past, like old fishponds nearby. These ponds might have been used by the people living at the priory.
Contents
History of Blackborough Priory
How the Priory Started
Blackborough Priory was first built in 1150. It was founded by a couple named Roger de Scales and his wife, Muriel. They created it for Benedictine monks. Benedictines are a very old Christian religious group. They follow rules set by Saint Benedict.
From Monks to Nuns
At first, both monks and nuns were allowed to live at the priory. But by the year 1200, things changed. The priory became a home only for Benedictine nuns. These nuns dedicated their lives to prayer and religious work.
The Priory's Leaders
For over 300 years, Blackborough Priory was a busy place. During this time, nineteen different women served as the prioress. The prioress was the leader of the nuns. The first prioress was named Avelina. The last one was Elizabeth Dawney.
The End of the Priory
The priory operated until 1537. This was during a time known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this period, King Henry VIII closed down many religious houses in England. He took their land and wealth. Blackborough Priory was one of the places that closed.
What Remains Today
Today, the site of Blackborough Priory is no longer a religious building. It is now part of a working cattle farm. You can still see some of the old ruins, like parts of the church's south wall. These ruins remind us of the priory's long history.
