Latton Priory facts for kids
Latton Priory was once a small religious building in Essex, England. It is located about 1 kilometer south of the modern town of Harlow. A priory is a type of monastery, which is a place where a community of religious people live and work together.
What Was Latton Priory?
Latton Priory was founded a very long time ago, before the year 1292. It was started by a family ancestor of someone named Thomas Shaa. The people who lived there were a group of religious men called Augustinian Canons Regular. These canons were like monks, but they followed a specific set of rules from Saint Augustine.
How Was It Built?
The priory was built on a special piece of land known as a moated site. This means it was surrounded by a ditch, often filled with water, which helped protect it. The main church building was rebuilt in the 14th century, which was the 1300s.
The priory buildings were arranged in a square shape around a central open area called the cloisters. The cloisters were usually a peaceful courtyard with covered walkways, used for prayer and quiet walks. The main buildings included:
- A dormitory: This was where the canons slept.
- A refectory: This was the dining hall where they ate their meals.
- A cellarer's range: This area was used for storage, like keeping food and supplies.
Why Was It Abandoned?
Latton Priory was abandoned in 1534. This happened just before a big event in English history called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and priories across England. He took their land and wealth for the Crown.
After the priory was closed, its property was given to Sir Henry Parker in 1536. Over time, the land changed hands a few times. By 1556, it became part of a larger estate called Latton Hall. Later, in 1562, it joined the Mark Hall estate. Eventually, after the Second World War, the estate sold the priory site to a tenant, who was someone renting the land.
Latton Priory as a Farm
For a long time, the priory site has been used as a farm. The farmhouse that stands there today is believed to be built on the spot where the old refectory (dining hall) used to be. Parts of the original church building are still there. They have been made into parts of the farm buildings.
The remains of the church are considered a very important historical building. They are listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a building of special interest and needs to be protected.
In 2013, there were plans to build many new houses, about 2500, on the site.
