Dominican Friary, Winchester facts for kids

The Dominican Friary, Winchester, also known as the Winchester Blackfriars, was a special religious house in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It belonged to a group of religious people called the Dominican Order.

What Was the Dominican Friary?

A friary was a type of monastery where friars lived and worked. Friars were religious men who dedicated their lives to God. Unlike monks who often stayed within their monastery walls, friars would travel and preach to people. The Dominicans were known for their teaching and preaching. They were sometimes called "Blackfriars" because of the black cloaks they wore over their white habits.

When Was It Built?

The Dominican Friary in Winchester was founded a very long time ago, between the years 1231 and 1234. This makes it one of the very first Dominican houses ever built in England! It was dedicated to a saint named Saint Catherine.

Where Was It Located?

This important friary was located right in the heart of Winchester. You would have found it on the High Street, close to an area called Eastgate. It was situated between the River Itchen and a street known as Busket Street. Imagine a busy part of town, and that's where the friars lived and worked.

What Happened to the Friary?

The friary existed for many centuries. However, in 1538, a major event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries took place. This was when King Henry VIII decided to close down many religious houses across England. The Winchester Blackfriars was one of them. After it was closed, its land and buildings were given to Winchester College, a famous school in the city. Today, if you visit the site, you won't see any remains of the old friary. The area has been completely redeveloped over time.