Greyfriars, Bedford facts for kids
Greyfriars is an old religious building, or "monastic house," located in Bedford, England. It was home to a group of religious people called the Grey Friars, also known as Franciscan friars. These friars were part of a Christian group that lived simply and helped others.
What is Greyfriars?
Greyfriars was a place where Franciscan friars lived, prayed, and worked. It was like a community center for them. The building was in Bedford, a town in England.
Who Were the Franciscans?
The Franciscans are a special group of Christian friars. They follow the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi. They are called "Grey Friars" because of the grey robes they used to wear. These friars promised to live simply, without much money, and to help people in need. They often lived in towns and cities, unlike monks who usually lived in quiet monasteries far away.
How Greyfriars Started
The Greyfriars house in Bedford was founded a very long time ago, during the time of King Edward II. This was in the late 1200s. Historians aren't completely sure who started it. Some say it was Mabilea de Plateshull (also known as Lady Mabel de Pattishall), while others believe it was John St. John. We do know that their church was officially opened on 3 November 1295. The exact year the Franciscans first arrived in Bedford isn't known, but they were an important part of the town for many years.
The End of Greyfriars
Greyfriars came to an end during a big event in English history called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed down many religious houses across England.
The friars at Greyfriars formally agreed to the King's authority on 14 May 1534. This meant they accepted the King as the head of the church, not the Pope. A year later, on 3 October 1535, they officially gave up their property to the King. By 1539, the land and buildings of Greyfriars were given to a man named John Gostwyke. At the time it closed, the friary's income was quite small, valued at around £3 to £5 per year.
