Cambridge Whitefriars facts for kids
The Cambridge Whitefriars were a group of Carmelite friars. These friars were like monks, but they lived in communities and often worked among people. They first came to the area outside Cambridge in the 1200s.
They were sometimes called the Newnham Whitefriars because of one of their early homes. The friars moved a few times before settling in their main location in Cambridge. Their story shows how religious groups lived and changed over time in medieval England.
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Who Were the Cambridge Whitefriars?
The Whitefriars were members of the Carmelite order. This religious group started on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. They wore white cloaks over brown habits, which is why they were called "Whitefriars."
Their main goal was to live a simple life dedicated to God. They often helped people in the local community. In Cambridge, they built homes and churches for their community.
Where Did the Whitefriars First Settle?
The Carmelite friars first arrived near Cambridge in the 1200s. In 1247, King Henry III gave them permission to build a home in Chesterton. This area is just outside Cambridge.
However, they decided not to build there. Instead, in 1249, a man named Michael Malherbe gave them a house. This house was in a place called Newnham.
Life in Newnham
The Newnham site was in the parish of St-Peter-outside-the-gate. This area was near Trumpington. It was also under the care of the Hospital of St John the Evangelist.
The friars built many important buildings here. They constructed large monastic cells, which were small rooms for each friar. They also built a cloister, which is a covered walkway around a courtyard. A church was also built on their three acres of land.
Why Did the Whitefriars Move Again?
Life in Newnham became difficult for the friars. The area often flooded, especially in 1290. This made it hard for them to get to lectures in Cambridge. It also made it tough to get food and supplies.
So, in 1290, the friars asked King Edward I for permission to move. They wanted to move to a new spot inside Cambridge. The King agreed to their request.
Their Final Home on Milne Street
The friars moved to their new home on Milne Street in 1292. This location was right within the city of Cambridge. They stayed at this site for over 200 years.
They continued their religious life and community work there. The friars were an important part of Cambridge life for centuries.
What Happened to the Whitefriars?
The Whitefriars' time in Cambridge came to an end in 1538. This was due to a big event called the dissolution of the monasteries. King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and religious houses across England.
This was a major change in English history. The King took control of their lands and buildings.
The End of the Monastery
When the Whitefriars' monastery was closed, their property was given to Queens' College. This college is still a famous part of Cambridge University today.
Queens' College then tore down the old monastery buildings. They used the land for their own college expansion.
What Remains Today?
Today, the site where the Whitefriars' monastery stood is part of Queens' College. Walnut Tree Court and the college chapel now stand there.
There is one special part of the old monastery that you can still see. The north wall of the Fellows' Garden at Queens' College was once the north wall of the Carmelite church. It is very well preserved. The exact locations of their first homes in Chesterton and Newnham are not known today.
Images for kids
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Coat of arms of the Carmelite order
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Richard Lyne's 1574 map showing the Whitefriars church site near Queens' College
