Bromfield Priory facts for kids

Bromfield Priory was an important religious building in Shropshire, England. It was located in a village called Bromfield, close to the town of Ludlow. A priory is like a monastery, but usually smaller, and run by a group of religious people called canons.

What Was Bromfield Priory?

Bromfield Priory was a special kind of religious community. It was home to "secular canons." These were priests who lived together but didn't take strict vows like monks. They often worked in the local community. The priory was started a very long time ago, even before the year 1061.

Early History and Land

We know a lot about Bromfield Priory from a famous old book called the Domesday Book. This book was created in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. It recorded details about land and who owned it across England. The Domesday Book shows that Bromfield Priory was quite wealthy.

In 1066, the priory owned a large amount of land, about 20 "hides." A hide was an old way to measure land, usually enough to support one family. By 1086, their land had changed to 10 hides. This land included areas like Halford, Dinchope, Ashford Bowdler, Felton, Burway (near Church Stretton), and Ledwyche. They also owned smaller villages called Prior’s Halton, Lady Halton, and Hill Halton.

People at the Priory

In 1086, there were 12 canons living and working at Bromfield Priory. They also had a small church, or chapel, called St Giles in Ludford, which was part of the priory.

Later Years and Changes

Over time, the priory's control changed. From 1258 onwards, Bromfield Priory was managed by a much larger and more powerful monastery called Gloucester Abbey. This was a common way for smaller religious houses to be connected to bigger ones. One of the leaders of Bromfield Priory, Henry Foliot, even went on to become the Abbot (the head) of Gloucester Abbey.

The Priory Closes

In 1538, a big change happened across England. King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and priories. This event is known as the dissolution of the monasteries. Bromfield Priory was one of the many religious houses that were closed.

After it closed, the priory building was bought by a man named Charles Foxe in 1541. It became the home for the Foxe family for many years. Sadly, the priory house burned down in the 17th century.

What Remains Today?

Even though the priory house is gone, part of Bromfield Priory still stands today. The old priory church survived and is now the local parish church for Bromfield village. It is known as St Mary the Virgin's Church. This means you can still visit and see a piece of this ancient history!