Easebourne Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Easebourne Priory |
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Easebourne Priory
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| General information | |
| Type | Priory |
| Town or city | Easebourne, West Sussex |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 50°59′42″N 0°43′33″W / 50.995034°N 0.725849°W |
| Inaugurated | c. 1238 |
Easebourne Priory was once a special kind of religious building called a priory. It is located in Easebourne, a village in West Sussex, England. Priories were homes for groups of religious people, like monks or nuns.
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What Was Easebourne Priory?
Easebourne Priory was built as a nunnery. This means it was a home for nuns, who are women who dedicate their lives to religious service. It was specifically an Augustinian nunnery. It was built for a prioress, who was the leader, and ten nuns.
Who Built It?
The priory was founded before the year 1238. It was started by the de Bohun family. They lived at St. Ann's Hill in nearby Midhurst. It was probably founded by John de Bohun. He was a knight who fought in the famous Battle of Crécy.
Changes Over Time
The priory might have been rebuilt or restarted in the 1400s. At that time, it may have changed its religious order and become Benedictine.
In 1536, a big change happened in England. This was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this time, many religious buildings were closed down. Easebourne Priory was then given to William FitzWilliam, 1st Earl of Southampton. He received it along with other properties.
What Remains Today?
Some parts of the old priory are still standing. These are called claustral remains. They are now part of a house built on the south side of St Mary's church. This house is a Grade I listed building, meaning it is very important historically.
The old refectory has also been restored. A refectory was the dining hall for the nuns. Today, it is used by the local church for its activities.
Queen Elizabeth I's Visit
Queen Elizabeth I of England visited Easebourne Priory in 1591. She arrived on August 17th from Cowdray House. She was a guest of Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montagu. He was living at the priory at the time. The Queen stayed until August 20th.
Special Welcome for the Queen
During her visit, Queen Elizabeth I was entertained with special shows. An actor dressed as a pilgrim led her to an oak tree. At the tree, symbols of all the county's noble families were displayed. A "wild man" dressed in ivy explained their loyalty to the Queen.
The next day, there was another show at a fishpond. An actor dressed as an angler spoke with a "fisherman." Then, he talked to the Queen about how loyal everyone was to her. These speeches and entertainments were later written down and printed.
