Lechlade Priory facts for kids
Lechlade Priory was an old religious house in Lechlade, Gloucestershire, England. It was home to a group of priests called Augustinian Canons. A priory is like a monastery, a place where religious people live and work together.
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What Was Lechlade Priory?
Lechlade Priory was a special kind of monastery. It was also known as the Lechlade hospital or hospitalry. This means it was a place that helped people. It was home to priests who followed the rules of St. Augustine.
How It Started
The priory was founded in the 1200s. A lady named Isabella de Mortimer started it. At first, it was a nunnery, a place for nuns. Later, in 1252, a powerful person became its supporter. This was Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, who was a very important noble.
Helping the Community
The priory had seven priests. Their job was to help the poor and sick people in the area. They were meant to use money for charity. However, sometimes they were criticized. People said they were not doing their duties. They were also accused of using the charity money for other things.
The Priory's Bridge
The priests at the priory also looked after St. John's Bridge. This bridge was built where an old crossing point of the River Thames used to be. The people who founded the priory also had the bridge built. The head of the priory was given special grants of money. This money was called pontage. It was meant to help repair and maintain the bridge. These grants were given in 1338, 1341, and 1388.
The Priory's Hospital
A building that is now the Trout Inn was once part of the priory. It worked as a hospital or almshouse. This means it was a place where sick or poor people could get help. It was named after St. John the Baptist. This hospital had a special job. It was meant to care for the workers who built and fixed the bridge.
The Priory's End
Lechlade Priory continued to operate for many years. However, it was eventually closed down. This happened in 1472. This event is called its dissolution.
What Remains Today
Most of the priory buildings are gone now. They have either fallen down or been taken apart. Only a small part of the building that is now the Trout Inn remains. Today, part of the old priory site is a mobile home and caravan park.
