Dunstable Friary facts for kids
The Dunstable Friary was a special religious home in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England. It was where a group of religious men, called Dominican friars, lived and worked many centuries ago. These friars were also known as the "Black Friars" because of the dark clothes they wore.
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Dunstable Friary: A Home for Black Friars
A friary is a type of religious house, similar to a monastery. However, friars are different from monks. Friars often travel and teach people, while monks usually stay within their monastery walls. The Dominicans were a well-known order of friars.
The Black Friars Arrive
The Black Friars first came to Dunstable in the year 1259. They built their friary in a different spot from the larger Dunstable Priory, which was already in the town. Their home was located west of a very old road called Watling Street. Today, this area is near High Street South and a road called Friary Field.
What Happened to the Friary?
The Dunstable Friary was active for many years. However, in 1539, the friary was closed down. This happened during a time when King Henry VIII was closing many religious houses across England. The land and buildings of the friary were then taken over by the King.
Digging Up the Past: Discoveries at the Friary
Even though the friary closed centuries ago, people have been very interested in learning about it. Archaeologists, who are like history detectives, have dug up parts of the site many times.
- Some early digs happened in the 1920s.
- From 1965 to 1967, the Manshead Archaeological Society did a big excavation of the old buildings. During these digs, they found something very special.
- Later, in 1972, the Department of the Environment explored parts of the friary's church.
- In 1988, Bedfordshire County Council also carried out more archaeological work on the site.
The Famous Swan Jewel
One of the most exciting discoveries at the Dunstable Friary site was the Dunstable Swan Jewel. This beautiful and rare piece of jewelry was found during the excavations between 1965 and 1967. It is a very important historical item that tells us more about life in England long ago.
