Kersey Priory facts for kids

Kersey Priory was an old religious building in a village called Kersey in Suffolk, England. It wasn't a church, but a special kind of home for a group of religious people called Austin Canons.

This is the 12th-century seal of Kersey Priory.

Kersey Priory: A Glimpse into History

What Was Kersey Priory?

Kersey Priory was founded a very long time ago, before the year 1218. It started as a type of hospital, but not like the hospitals we know today. In those days, a "hospital" could be a place that offered shelter and care for the poor, sick, or travelers.

This particular hospital was dedicated to two important figures: St Mary the Blessed Virgin and St Anthony. It was run by a group of religious men known as the Austin Canons. These canons were priests who lived together in a community, following strict rules, much like monks. They dedicated their lives to prayer and helping others.

The Priory's Life and End

For over 200 years, Kersey Priory served its community. However, its time eventually came to an end. In 1443, the priory was "dissolved." This means it was officially closed down, and the religious community living there was disbanded.

Just one year later, in 1444, the land and buildings of Kersey Priory were given to King's College, Cambridge. This was a common practice during that time, where old religious sites were transferred to new owners, often educational institutions or wealthy families.

The Priory's Special Seal

Every important institution in the past had a special seal. This seal was like a unique stamp used to make official documents. The seal of Kersey Priory dates back to the 12th century, which is over 800 years ago!

What the Seal Shows

The seal is shaped like a pointed oval. It shows a picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is wearing a crown and surrounded by clouds. Below her, you can see the head of St. Anthony. Between these two figures, there's a sun and a crescent moon.

Around the edge of the seal, there's an inscription. It says: 'Sigill' sce Marie et sci Antonii de Kerseia'. This Latin phrase translates to "Seal of Saint Mary and Saint Anthony of Kersey." It clearly shows who the priory was dedicated to.