Donnington Friary facts for kids

Donnington Friary was a special kind of religious house called a friary. It was home to a group of Crossed Friars in a place called Donnington in England. Friars are like monks, but they often live among people and help the community.

When the friary was closed down, there was some confusion about which group of friars lived there. It was first thought to be the Trinitarian Order, but this was later corrected to the Crossed Friars. This might have been a way for the two friars living there at the time to make sure they received a payment when the friary closed.

How Donnington Friary Started

In 1376, a knight named Sir Richard Abberbury gave land to the Crutched Friars. These friars were from London. He wanted them to build a chapel at Donnington.

Two special priests, called chaplains, were meant to serve at this chapel. A church and a smaller priory building were built next to the chapel. By 1393, the friary was fully set up. People staying at the local hospital were even asked to attend church services there.

Why the Friary Closed Down

The chapel was taken back by the authorities in 1448. This happened because the leader of the friary, called the Prior, did not follow the rules of the original gift of land.

Later, on November 30, 1538, the entire friary was officially closed down. This was part of a bigger event in England called the dissolution of the monasteries, when many religious houses were closed by the king.

What's There Now

Today, the place where Donnington Friary once stood is home to a large house. This house is called Donnington Priory and was built in the 1600s.