Healaugh Park Priory facts for kids
Healaugh Park Priory was once an important religious building in Healaugh, North Yorkshire, England. It was home to a group of monks called Augustinians. The priory was located about 3 kilometers (2 miles) north of a town called Tadcaster.
Today, the main building is a two-story structure. It is made from a type of stone called Magnesian limestone. It has a roof made of Welsh slate and chimneys made of brick. This building is considered a special historical site.
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History of the Priory
The priory was officially started in 1218. It was named the Priory of St. John the Evangelist. A man named Jordan de Santa Maria and his wife, Alice, founded it. Alice's grandfather, Bertram Haget, had already given land for a small religious retreat there. This retreat was for a monk named Gilbert. Over time, other families also gave more land to the priory.
Life at the Priory
Monks who lived at Healaugh Park Priory followed the rules of St. Augustine. They spent their days praying, studying, and working. They lived a simple life dedicated to their faith. The priory would have been a center for learning and worship in the area.
End of the Priory
Healaugh Park Priory closed down in 1535. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed many religious houses in England. At that time, there were fourteen monks living at Healaugh. The priory had an income of about £86.
After the Monks Left
After the priory closed, its ownership changed hands several times. In 1540, James Gage took possession of the property. He then passed it on to Sir Arthur D'Arcy. Later, it became the home of the Barons Wharton, who were important noblemen.
Later Owners
The property was later bought by Stamp Brooksbank. He was a Member of Parliament and even the Governor of the Bank of England. The priory stayed in the Brooksbank family for many years. Sir Edward Clitherow Brooksbank, the first Baronet, owned it. Sadly, two of his three sons died in the First World War. His third son died in a motorcycle accident. The family sold Healaugh around that time.
What Remains Today
The old priory buildings were used for different purposes over time. For a while, it was a large manor house. Later, it became a farmhouse. Parts of the original monastic buildings were used to create these new homes. There was also a moated area around the building. This moat and some fishponds likely belonged to the priory or the later manor house.
Burials
- Bryan Stapleton and his wife Alice
