Blackfriars, Canterbury facts for kids
Blackfriars, Canterbury was once a special place where a group of monks called the Dominicans lived and worked. It's located in Kent, England, right in the city of Canterbury. Founded way back in 1237, it sat on both sides of the River Stour. Today, some parts of the old priory still stand and are used by the community.
Contents
Blackfriars, Canterbury: A Historic Place
Its Story Begins
The Blackfriars priory was started in 1237. King Henry III helped the Dominicans by giving them land inside the city walls. He also gave them £500 and wood for building their church and priory. This important site was located where Blackfriars Street is today.
The priory was a busy place for many years. However, in 1538, it was officially closed down. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when many religious houses in England were shut. After it closed, the buildings were used as a factory for weaving cloth. Over the next 100 years, many parts of the priory were slowly taken down.
What Remains Today?
Even though much of the priory is gone, some important buildings still exist!
The Refectory
The refectory was the monks' dining hall. It's on the east side of the river and is still standing today. For a long time, from 1640 to 1912, it was used as a meeting house for a church group. Later, in the 1920s, it was fixed up and used as a storage place. In 1982, the Cleary Foundation bought it. They gave it to The King's School to be used as an art gallery.
The Guesthouse
On the west side of the river, you can find the old guesthouse. This building was where visitors to the priory would stay. In the 1780s, it became a private home. Then, from 1905, it was used as a furniture store. In 1979, a local couple, Mr. and Mrs. Beerling, bought and restored it. Now, it's used as a hall for scouts and other community events.
Other Marks of History
You can still see where the main gate of the priory once stood. A special plaque and paving stones mark its spot at the entrance to an area now called The Friars. These remaining parts of Blackfriars help us remember its long and interesting history.
