Hawkesyard Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hawkesyard Priory |
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View towards the high altar
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| 52°44′37.8″N 1°54′11.4″W / 52.743833°N 1.903167°W | |
| Location | Brereton, Staffordshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Old Catholic Church |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | [1] |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect(s) | Edward Goldie |
| Groundbreaking | 1896 |
| Completed | 1914 |
Hawkesyard Priory is a historic building in Brereton, Staffordshire, England. It was once a home for Dominican friars. The priory was built between 1896 and 1914. It includes a beautiful church dedicated to St Thomas.
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A Look Back at Hawkesyard Priory
This section will tell you about the interesting past of Hawkesyard Priory.
From "Hawksyard" to "Spode House"
The land where Hawkesyard Priory stands was first called "Hawksyard." In 1760, its name changed to Armitage Park. Later, in 1839, a woman named Mary Spode bought it. She was the widow of Josiah Spode III. His family was famous for making Spode Pottery. Because of her, the estate became known as "Spode House."
Mary's son, Josiah Spode IV, lived there too. He was an important person in Staffordshire. In 1885, Josiah and his niece, Helen Gulson, became Catholics. They joined the Catholic Church in Stone, Staffordshire. This town was home to a group of Dominican Sisters.
Josiah Spode IV lived at Spode House with his niece until he passed away in 1893. He wanted the house to go to the Dominican order after his niece's death. However, Helen Gulson decided to move to a smaller cottage on the estate. She then gave the main house to the Dominicans.
The Priory and Its Church
In 1898, the Dominican Order built a new priory on the grounds. Helen Gulson helped pay for these new buildings. When the friars moved into the new priory, the old Spode House became a school.
The priory church was built between 1896 and 1914. The architect for this grand church was Edward Goldie. The church has a special roof called a hammer beam roof. It also has many large windows and a beautiful chapel.
The Dominican friars left Hawkesyard in 1988. The whole estate was then sold to a private owner in 1989. Today, the priory church is used by the Society of Traditional Old Catholics. The buildings where the friars used to live are now a nursing home.
The Church Organ
The organ in the church is very old and special. It was made in 1700 by a famous organ builder known as Father Smith. This organ originally came from Eton College, a well-known school. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.
See also
- Listed buildings in Armitage with Handsacre
