Burwell Priory facts for kids
Burwell Priory was an old monastery in the village of Burwell, Lincolnshire, England. A monastery is a special place where monks live together, dedicating their lives to prayer and study.
Building the Priory
The priory was built around the year 1110. It was created for Benedictine monks by a person named Ansgot of Burwell. He officially started the priory with the help of Robert, who was the Bishop of Lincoln at that time (between 1094 and 1123).
Life and Challenges
The main monastery that Burwell Priory belonged to was Grande-Sauve Abbey. This larger abbey was located in Aquitaine, France. At that time, the Kings of England also ruled Aquitaine.
However, when England and France went to war, things became difficult for Burwell Priory. Because its main abbey was in France, it was seen as an "alien cell." This meant it was considered foreign.
Seized and Restored
The priory was taken over by the English king in 1337 and again in 1342. This happened because of the wars with France. But, the priory was given back to the monks when the Prior (the leader of the priory) promised to be loyal to the English King.
Final Days
In 1386, the priory was taken over once more. When the war finally ended, it was decided that Burwell Priory would remain an "alien cell." This meant it could no longer operate as it had before.
The last Prior, Peter de Monte Ardito, died in 1427. After his death, people found that the priory buildings were in very bad condition. Because of this, Burwell Priory was officially closed down. Its land was then given to the college of Tattershall. Later, these lands were given to Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.
See also
In Spanish: Priorato de Burwell para niños
