Haugham Priory facts for kids

Haugham Priory was a small Benedictine priory located in Lincolnshire, England. A priory is a type of religious house, similar to a monastery, but often smaller or dependent on a larger abbey.

This priory was built on land given by Hugh, Earl of Chester, near the end of the 11th century. The land was granted to a French monastery, the abbot and convent of Sainte-Marie-et-Saint-Sever, in Saint-Sever-Calvados, France. It was probably meant to support only one or two monks.

Life at Haugham Priory

Even though it was small, leaders called "Priors" were regularly chosen for Haugham Priory. These Priors were officially approved by the Bishops of Lincoln until the year 1329.

Challenges from Wars

Life became difficult for Haugham Priory starting in 1329. This was because of ongoing wars between England and France. Haugham Priory was considered an "Alien house" because it was owned by a French monastery. During wartime, the English King would often take control of the lands and money of these "Alien houses."

In 1337, the Prior of Haugham Priory asked the King for his possessions back. He explained that the priory was very poor. The King agreed and returned the priory's property. The Prior then rented out the priory to a man named John of Saint Paul for seven years.

After John's time, the King rented the priory out again, this time to the Bishop of Carlisle.

The Priory's End

In 1397, Haugham Priory was officially given to another religious house in England. This was the Carthusian priory of St. Anne, Coventry.

Today, there are no visible remains of Haugham Priory. It has completely disappeared over time.