Great Yarmouth Grey Friary facts for kids
The Great Yarmouth Grey Friary was a special kind of religious home in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. It was where a group of religious people called Franciscan friars lived and prayed. They were often called "Grey Friars" because of the plain grey robes they wore. This friary was part of a larger group of Franciscan houses connected to Cambridge.
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What Was Great Yarmouth Grey Friary?
This friary was a place where Franciscan friars lived and worked together. Friars are like monks, but they often live among regular people in towns. They help people and teach about their faith. The Great Yarmouth Grey Friary was an important part of the local community for many years.
How Did It Start?
The friary was first built around the year 1226. A person named Sir William Garbridge helped to start this religious house. Over time, the friary grew larger. More buildings were added in 1285 and again in 1290 to make space for more friars and their activities.
Why Did It Close?
The friary stayed active for over 300 years. However, in 1538, it was closed down. This happened during a time known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. King Henry VIII was the king of England then. He decided to close many monasteries and friaries across the country. Their lands and buildings then became the property of the King.
What Happened to the Buildings?
After the friary closed, its land and buildings were given to a man named Richard Williams in 1541 or 1542. Later, in 1582, parts of the old friary were used as a place for important visitors to stay. Local groups of citizen soldiers also used some of the buildings.
In 1657, the site was sold to John Woodroffe. Over the years, the land was divided and sold off to different people. The old friary buildings became part of new homes and structures built in the 1600s and later.
What Can We See Today?
Even though many parts of the friary are gone, some ruins still remain. In the late 1800s, parts of the old cloister were uncovered. A cloister is a covered walkway, usually around a courtyard, where friars would walk and pray. More parts of the ruins were restored and cared for starting in 1945.
Today, you can still see parts of the cloister's west side. You can also see small pieces of the church's south wall. These ruins are very important historical buildings. They are officially listed as "Grade I listed," which means they are among the most important historic buildings in England.
