Blackfriars, Oxford facts for kids
 Location in Oxford city centre
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Priory of the Holy Spirit |
| Order | Dominican Order |
| Established | 1221 |
| Disestablished | 1538 |
| Reestablished | 1921 |
| Dedicated to | Holy Spirit |
| Diocese | Birmingham |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Bede Jarrett (1921) |
| Prior | Rev. Dominic White O.P. |
| Important associated figures | Thomas of Jorz |
| Site | |
| Location | Oxford, England |
| Coordinates | 51°45′22″N 1°15′37″W / 51.756121°N 1.260206°W |
Blackfriars Priory is a special religious community in Oxford, England. It belongs to the Dominican Order, a group of friars (religious brothers). Blackfriars is known for its two important schools: Blackfriars Studium, which teaches about Catholic beliefs, and Blackfriars Hall, a part of the famous University of Oxford.
The name Blackfriars comes from the black cloak, or cappa, that Dominican friars wear as part of their uniform. You can find Blackfriars in the middle of Oxford, on a street called St Giles'. It is located between the Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies and St Cross College.
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Discovering Blackfriars' Past
The Dominicans first arrived in Oxford on August 15, 1221. This was just a week after the death of Saint Dominic, their founder. They were told to come by a big meeting of their order. This means Blackfriars has the oldest teaching tradition in Oxford. It even came before the colleges that make up the University of Oxford today. In 1236, they built a large new priory in the St. Ebbes area.
Like other religious houses in Oxford, Blackfriars often had disagreements with the university leaders. During the English Reformation, many religious places were closed down. Blackfriars was one of them. The Dominicans did not return to Oxford for about 400 years.
Blackfriars Returns to Oxford
In 1921, Blackfriars was started again by a person named Bede Jarrett. The main priory building was finished in 1929. It was designed by Edward Doran Webb. The Dominican school at Blackfriars worked closely with the university. This led to Blackfriars becoming an official part of the University of Oxford in 1994.
Learning at Blackfriars Studium
Blackfriars Studium offers a special degree called the Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB). This degree is for people preparing to become Catholic priests. It is given by the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Regular students, both men and women, can also start this STB program at Blackfriars Studium. They can then finish their degree by studying for at least a year in Rome.
Famous Friars from Blackfriars
Many important people have been part of Blackfriars. Here are a few:
- Malcolm McMahon, who is now the Archbishop of Liverpool.
- Aidan Nichols, a well-known lecturer at the University of Oxford.
- Brian Davies, a philosopher.
- Richard Finn
- Timothy Radcliffe, who used to be the head of the Dominican Order.
- Fergus Kerr, a former head of Blackfriars.
People Buried at Blackfriars Abbey
Some historical figures are buried at the original Blackfriars Abbey site in Oxford:
- Robert Bacon (writer)
- Richard Fishacre
Images for kids
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Blackfriars on St Giles'
