Clare Priory facts for kids

Clare Priory is a very old and special religious place in England. It was started way back in 1248! It sits right by the River Stour, close to the old village of Clare. This priory was the first home in England for a group of religious people called the Augustinian friars. Over many years, the priory belonged to different people. But in 1953, the Augustinian friars bought it back! Today, Clare Priory offers modern places for guests to stay and reflect.

History of Clare Priory

Clare Priory was built in 1248 in England. It was started by the Augustinian religious group. They were invited by a nobleman named Richard de Clare.

This priory was one of the first religious houses in England to be closed down. This happened in 1538 during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed many religious places across England.

However, in 1953, a group of Augustinian friars from Ireland bought the priory back. This brought the Augustinians back to their original home in England.

Clare Priory still has some of its original parts. These include a small cloister (a covered walkway) with a special shrine. It also has an old arched entrance and some beautiful stained glass windows. The shrine has a carving of the Mother of Good Counsel. This carving is based on an old painting in Italy.

During the 14th century, the Augustinian order was very large in England and Ireland. But their numbers went down before new laws were made against the church. These laws were part of the English Reformation. The friars were forced to leave their homes starting in 1538. This was during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

A brave Augustinian named St John Stone was one of the few who spoke out against King Henry VIII. Many Augustinian houses were closed down. These included places like Bath Abbey and Waltham Abbey.

In 1604, Clare Priory was changed into a home for a man named Sir Thomas Barnardiston. Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, it belonged to the Baker family. Clare Priory is now a Grade I listed building. This means it is a very important historical building that is protected by law. It was first listed in 1961.

Important Burials

Many important people were buried at Clare Priory over the centuries. Here are a few of them:

• Joan of Acre (died 1307): She was the daughter of King Edward I.
• Elizabeth de Burgh, 4th Countess of Ulster (died 1363)
• Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence (died 1368)
• Thomas Edwardston (died 1396): He was the leader of Clare Priory at the time.
• Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March (died 1425)

Images for kids

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  Claire Priory

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  Garden

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  Church

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  New church