Cookhill Priory facts for kids

Cookhill Priory was once a special home for a group of Cistercian nuns. It was located near a village called Cookhill in Worcestershire, England. Nuns are women who dedicate their lives to religious service.

A Look Back at Cookhill Priory

People believe that Cookhill Priory was started around the year 1260 by a woman named Isabel de Mauduit. She was the wife of a powerful nobleman, William de Beauchamp. Records show that Isabel was buried at Cookhill, and she had become a nun there before her husband passed away in 1298.

The priory was known for being quite poor. The nuns often didn't have much money. Because of this, they were often excused from paying taxes to the king. There weren't many nuns living there, probably around seven.

Cookhill Priory was closed down in 1540. This happened during a time when many monasteries and priories in England were being shut down by the king, an event known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. After the priory closed, the nuns were given money to help them live.

Today, the old priory building is still standing. It's a special historical building called a Grade II* listed building. It's now used as a recording studio called VADA Studios.

Important People Buried Here

• Isabel de Mauduit, who was the wife of William (III) de Beauchamp. She is thought to have founded the priory.