Blackfriars, Hereford facts for kids
Ruins of Hereford Blackfriars
|
|
 Location in Herefordshire
|
|
| Coordinates | 52°03′36″N 2°42′47″W / 52.060°N 2.713°W |
|---|---|
| History | |
| Periods | Medieval |
| Official name | Blackfriars Priory |
| Designated | 26 November 1928 |
| Reference no. | 1010797 |
Blackfriars Priory was an old monastery built in the 1200s. It belonged to a group of monks called the Dominicans. You can find its ruins in Hereford, England. What's left includes parts of the monastery buildings, a graveyard, and a tall stone cross used for preaching. Today, a beautiful rose garden, planted by the local community, surrounds the ruins.
Contents
What is Blackfriars Priory?
Blackfriars Priory is located on Widemarsh Street in Hereford, England. It's at a spot known as grid reference SO51184043. The site has parts of the old Dominican monastery. You can see what's left of their dining hall (refectory) and the prior's house. There are also parts of the original cloister walls. A stone cross, used for preaching, and a cemetery are also on the site.
A Look Back: History of the Priory
When Did the Dominicans Arrive?
The Dominicans, also known as Blackfriars, came to Hereford before 1246. Their order was started in 1215. They set up their first English group in 1221. Important people like John Daniel and Bishop Orleton gave land to the Blackfriars. Even Edward II helped them get land.
Building the Priory
The priory was officially built in 1322. This is when the chapel and other monastery buildings were finished. It's said that King Edward III was there when the church was dedicated. Later, a stone cross for preaching and a cemetery were added.
The End of the Monastery
In 1538, the priory was torn down. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Many monasteries in England were closed then. After 1538, only some buildings in the west part of the monastery remained. The 14th-century Preaching Cross also stayed.
The land was bought by John Scudamore. Later, Thomas Coningsby got the land. He used some of the remaining buildings. He combined them with nearby buildings from the Order of St John. This created a new place called the Coningsby Hospital.
Discoveries from Excavations
In 1958, archaeologists dug up the site. They found where the cloister walls and the church's main area (nave) once stood. They also learned that the priory had a gatehouse. There were many other buildings for living and separate apartments. These were next to gardens and orchards. The cemetery is west of the priory. It still has the 14th-century stone preaching cross. This cross was fixed up in 1864.
The Blackfriars Rose Garden
The first rose beds in the Blackfriars Rose Gardens were planted in March 1964. This was a gift to Hereford City. It came from the Hereford and West of England Rose Society. They gave it to celebrate their 100th birthday. Over time, 28 rose beds were planted.
Today, volunteers are working to bring the rose gardens back to life. They are called the Friends of Blackfriars Rose Gardens. They have a five-year plan to replant and care for the roses.
