Heynings Priory facts for kids

Heynings Priory was a special kind of monastery for Cistercian nuns. It was located in Knaith, a village in Lincolnshire, England.

How Heynings Priory Started

The priory was started by a man named Rayner de Evermue. He was the local lord of Knaith. He founded the priory for Cistercian nuns, who were a group of religious women. This probably happened very early in the time when King Stephen ruled England.

Rayner de Evermue died before the priory was fully finished. He had not given them much money or land. This meant the nuns at Heynings Priory were very poor for a long time. The local lords of Knaith usually helped the priory, but it still struggled.

When the Priory Closed Down

Heynings Priory was officially closed in 1539. This was part of a bigger event called the Dissolution of the monasteries. During this time, many monasteries across England were closed down by the king.

At Heynings, the priory was closed by Jane Sanford, who was the leader (Prioress) of the nuns. There were eleven nuns living there at the time it closed.

What Happened to the Priory Land

After the priory closed, its land was given to Sir Thomas Heneage and his wife Katherine. This happened in 1540. The gift included the priory buildings, the church, its tall tower (steeple), and the churchyard.

When Sir Thomas Heneage died in 1553, the land passed to Lord Willoughby of Parham. This happened because of a marriage. Lord Willoughby also received the nearby area known as the manor of Knaith.

Today, the exact spot where Heynings Priory stood is not known for sure. However, experts believe it was located near a place called Park Farm South.