Bungay Priory facts for kids
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Bungay Priory was a special kind of monastery called a nunnery. It was located in the town of Bungay in Suffolk, England. Nuns who followed the rules of Saint Benedict, known as Benedictine nuns, lived and prayed there.
Contents
Founding the Priory
Who Started Bungay Priory?
A noblewoman named Countess Gundreda started Bungay Priory. She was the wife of Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk. The priory was built on land that belonged to her.
When Was It Founded?
The priory was likely founded sometime between 1160 and 1185. King Henry II officially approved the priory for Gundreda and her second husband, Roger de Glanville. This approval happened around 1188.
The Priory's Life and End
How Many Nuns Lived There?
When the priory was active, it was home to a prioress and 11 nuns. The prioress was the head nun, leading the community.
When Did It Close?
Bungay Priory closed down around the year 1536. This was part of a larger event in England called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Many monasteries and nunneries were closed during this time.
What Remains Today?
The Priory Church
The church that belonged to the priory was called the Church of the Holy Cross. After the priory closed, this church became St Mary's Church. It is now the main church for the local area in Bungay.
Ruins and History
Today, you can still see some ruins of the priory. They are located to the east of St Mary's Church. Most of the original buildings were likely destroyed in a big fire in Bungay in 1688. That fire also badly damaged St Mary's Church. Both the church and the priory ruins are considered very important historical buildings. They are listed as a Grade I listed building.
