Flanesford Priory facts for kids
Flanesford Priory was an old religious building, a type of monastery, located in Herefordshire, England. It was home to a group of monks called the Augustinian Canons.
Contents
What is Flanesford Priory?
Flanesford Priory was a special kind of monastery built for the Augustinian Canons. These were Christian monks who followed the rules of St. Augustine. Monasteries like Flanesford Priory were places where monks lived, prayed, and worked together. They often helped the local community.
Who Built Flanesford Priory?
The priory was founded in 1346 by a powerful knight named Sir Richard Talbot. He owned the nearby Goodrich Castle. Sir Richard wanted to create a place for the Augustinian Canons to live and worship. The church at the priory was dedicated to St John the Baptist, and Sir Richard Talbot was buried there after he died.
What Happened to the Priory?
Life at the priory became very difficult after the terrible plague known as the Black Death swept through Europe. Many people died, and the priory became much weaker.
Later, in the 1500s, a big change happened in England called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and take their land and wealth. Flanesford Priory was one of the first to be closed in 1537.
After it was closed, the priory buildings were given to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. When he died in 1590, the property went to his son, Gilbert.
How Was the Priory Used Later?
For a very long time, the priory buildings were used as farm buildings. Farmers kept animals and stored crops there. This continued until 1980. After that, the buildings were changed into holiday apartments where people could stay for their vacations.
What Can We See Today?
Some parts of the original priory buildings are still standing today. The most important part that remains is the refectory building. The refectory was the dining hall where the monks ate their meals.
This building is made of strong stone and originally had two floors. Even though it has been changed over the years for farming and then for holiday homes, it is still considered a very important historical building. It is listed as a Grade I building, which means it is of exceptional interest.
