Cornworthy Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cornworthy Priory |
|
|---|---|
The remains of Cornworthy Priory
|
|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Cornworthy |
| Country | England |
Cornworthy Priory was a special kind of religious building in Devon, England. It was home to a group of Augustinian nuns. These nuns were women who dedicated their lives to God and lived together in a community. The priory was started in the early 1200s and was active for over 300 years.
Contents
What Was a Priory?
A priory was a type of monastery. Monasteries were places where monks or nuns lived. They spent their days in prayer, study, and work. Priories were often smaller than abbeys. They were important centers for learning and charity in their local areas.
Life at Cornworthy Priory
At Cornworthy Priory, the Augustinian nuns followed a strict daily routine. Their days included many hours of prayer and religious services. They also spent time reading and copying books. This was very important before printing presses existed.
The nuns also worked to support their community. They might have farmed the land around the priory. They also helped people in need. This could include caring for the sick or providing food for the poor. Life at the priory was peaceful and focused on faith.
The End of Cornworthy Priory
Cornworthy Priory existed until 1536. This was a time in English history called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this period, King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and priories across England. He took their lands and wealth.
When Cornworthy Priory closed, the nuns had to leave. The buildings and lands were then given to other people. This was a big change for the local area. It meant the end of a long tradition of religious life there.
Who Lived Here After?
After the priory closed, its lands were given to the Harris family. They owned the property for many years, until the 1640s. A famous member of this family was Thomas Harris. He was a very important lawyer, known as a Serjeant-at-Law. This was a high legal position.
Thomas Harris lived at the former priory site with his wife, Elizabeth. Their daughter, Anne, Lady Southwell, was born there. Anne grew up to be a well-known poet. She was famous for her writing. It's interesting to think that a place once home to nuns later became the birthplace of a poet!
