Blackmore Priory facts for kids
Blackmore Priory was a special kind of religious house in Essex, England. It was home to a group of Augustinian Canons, who were like priests but lived together in a community. Unlike monks, these Canons also worked in the local area, helping people in the parish, while still following a religious life within the Priory.
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What Was Blackmore Priory?
Blackmore Priory was a religious building where a group of priests, called Canons, lived and worked. It was founded as an Augustinian Priory, which means it followed the rules of Saint Augustine. The Priory had a leader called a Prior, and twelve Canons. These Canons were ordained priests, so they could lead church services and help people in the community. They were expected to serve the local parish as well as live a quiet, religious life inside the Priory.
Building the Priory
The construction of Blackmore Priory began a long time ago, in the second half of the 12th century. That's over 800 years ago! You can still see some of the original parts of the Priory today. For example, the Parish Church of St Laurence in Blackmore still has some of the old Priory architecture. A special door between the bell tower and the main part of the church (called the nave) was once the main entrance to the Priory.
The Priory's Golden Age
Blackmore Priory was at its most important and grandest around the end of the 14th century. During this time, a single roof was added over the main church area (the nave) and its side sections (the aisles). The tall timber bell tower, which is still there today, was built around the year 1400.
The End of Blackmore Priory
Even though Blackmore Priory was a significant place, its time eventually came to an end. Henry VIII, a famous English king, often visited a nearby house called Jericho House. This means he would have known the Priory very well.
However, in the 1520s, King Henry VIII, along with his chief minister Cardinal Wolsey, made big changes to religious houses across England. They were responsible for the closing down of many monasteries and priories, including Blackmore Priory. After it closed, the Priory buildings were no longer used for religious purposes. Most of them were taken apart or demolished, and the land passed into private hands.
