Catley Priory facts for kids
Catley Priory was an old religious building, like a monastery, located in a place called Walcott in Lincolnshire, England. It was a special kind of monastery known as a priory.
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What Was Catley Priory?
Catley Priory was a Gilbertine priory. The Gilbertines were the only religious order that started in England. This priory was dedicated to Saint Mary. It was also a "double house," which means it had separate areas for both nuns (women who dedicated their lives to God) and monks (men who did the same).
Who Started Catley Priory?
The priory was founded by a man named Peter of Billinghay. He started it sometime between the years 1154 and 1158. Peter gave the priory a lot of land and resources to help it get started.
How Was the Priory Supported?
Peter of Billinghay gave the priory the entire area known as Catley Island. He also gave them a farm (called a grange) and some farmland in Walcott. The priory also received the church in Billinghay and a chapel in Walcott. They even had land for 400 sheep to graze and rights to fish in Walcott marsh. This helped the priory to feed and support its members.
Who Lived at Catley Priory?
The priory was designed to house a certain number of people. It could have up to 60 nuns and lay-sisters. Lay-sisters were women who lived a religious life but did not take all the vows of a nun. For the men, there could be up to 35 canons and lay-brothers. Canons were like monks, and lay-brothers were men who helped with the priory's work but were not priests.
Challenges and Changes
Catley Priory was often one of the poorer Gilbertine houses. It faced serious money problems by the year 1338.
Financial Difficulties
Because of their financial troubles, King Edward III actually excused them from paying taxes in 1338. This happened again just seven years later, showing how difficult things were for the priory.
The Priory Closes Down
The priory eventually closed its doors on September 25, 1538. This happened during a time when many monasteries in England were being closed by the King. William Swift, who was the last leader (called a Prior) of Catley Priory, along with two of his canons, formally gave up the house.
What Happened to the Site?
After the priory closed, its land and buildings were eventually bought by Robert Carr (sometimes spelled Carre) from Sleaford. Today, the site where Catley Priory once stood is recognized as an ancient scheduled monument. This means it's a protected historical site because of its importance.
