Canonsleigh Abbey facts for kids
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Canonsleigh Abbey was once a religious house in Burlescombe, Devon. It was first a priory for Augustinian canons. These were like monks, but they often lived in communities and worked with people outside the monastery. Later, it became a nunnery.
Contents
A Look Back: The Abbey's Story
How Canonsleigh Abbey Began
Canonsleigh Abbey was started around the year 1170. A man named Walter de Claville, who owned the land in Burlescombe, founded it. He built it for a group called Augustinian canons. They dedicated their priory to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist.
The place where the Abbey was built was originally called "Leigh." After the canons moved in, it became known as "Canons' Leigh." This name means "Leigh of the canons."
From Priory to Nunnery
Over time, the number of canons at Canonsleigh became very small. By 1284, there were only seven of them left. Because of this, in 1285, a powerful woman named Maud de Lacy, Countess of Gloucester took over. She decided to change the priory into a nunnery.
So, Canonsleigh became an abbey for nuns. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and also Saint Etheldreda. In 1286, the abbess (the head nun) was even allowed to hold weekly markets there. This shows the abbey was an important place in the local area.
The End of the Abbey
Like many other religious houses in England, Canonsleigh Abbey was closed down. This happened in 1539 during a time known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries and convents across the country.
After the Abbey closed, its lands and buildings were sold. In 1546, Sir Richard Grenville and Roger Blewett bought the lands of Canonsleigh.
What Remains Today
Today, you can still see parts of Canonsleigh Abbey. The most noticeable part is a small gatehouse from the 1400s. It has two large arches that are now blocked up.
To the east of the gatehouse, you can find more ruined buildings. These include the remains of a reredorter (which was a latrine block) and possibly a wall from one of the main abbey buildings. These ruins give us a glimpse into what the Abbey once looked like.
