Ilchester Friary facts for kids

Location in Somerset

Ilchester Friary was a special kind of religious building called a friary. It was founded in Ilchester, Somerset, England, sometime between the years 1221 and 1260. A friary was home to a group of religious men called friars. These friars belonged to the Dominican Order, which is a Christian group.

Ilchester Friary: A Historic Place

Early Days and Growth

When it was first built, Ilchester Friary was a place for Dominican friars to live and pray. Over time, the buildings were improved and made bigger. This happened during the 13th and 14th centuries. By the 15th century, the friary had grown quite large. It covered an area of about 1.6 hectares (or 4 acres). It even stretched beyond the old town walls of Ilchester.

A Famous Link: Roger Bacon

Ilchester Friary has a cool connection to history. Many people believe it was the birthplace of a very famous person named Roger Bacon. He was born around 1213 or 1214. Roger Bacon was a well-known English philosopher and scientist. He made important discoveries and wrote many books.

End of the Friary and New Uses

What was the Dissolution?

The friary stopped being a religious home in 1538. This was part of a big event in England called the dissolution of the monasteries. During this time, King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries and friaries across the country. He took their land and buildings for himself.

From Friary to Prison

Even after it closed as a friary, the buildings were still used. For a while, they became a silk mill. This was a factory where silk fabric was made. Later, the buildings were used as a special kind of prison. This prison was for people who had different religious beliefs. For example, it held members of the Quakers. The Quakers are a Christian group known for their peaceful ways. The old friary buildings were finally taken down in the early 1800s.