Leicester Friars of the Sack facts for kids
 Location in Leicestershire
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | The Friars of the Order of the Penitence of Jesus Christ |
| Established | Before 1283 |
| Disestablished | Before 1295 |
| Diocese | Lincoln |
| Site | |
| Location | Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 52°37′50″N 1°08′40″W / 52.630668°N 1.144485°W |
| Visible remains | None |
Leicester Friars of the Sack was a special kind of religious house called a Friary. It belonged to a group of religious people known as the Brothers of Penitence. They were also called the "Friars of the Sack" because of their simple clothes. This Friary was located in Leicester, England.
Contents
A Look Back: The Friars of the Sack
The Friars of the Sack got their name from the simple clothes they wore. These clothes were usually made from a rough material called sackcloth. This religious group started in Italy.
How the Friars Came to England
The Friars of the Sack first came to England during the time of King Henry III. Their first Friary in England opened in London in 1257.
The Pope's Decision
Later, in 1274, Pope Gregory X decided to close down the order. This led to many Friaries in Europe shutting their doors.
However, some Friaries in England kept going, even without the Pope's official approval. Some of these even lasted until King Henry VIII closed many religious houses in England. This event is known as the dissolution of the monasteries.
The Friars' Simple Life
The Brothers of Penitence lived a very strict and simple life. They wore rough sackcloth clothing. They often walked barefoot or wore very plain wooden sandals.
These friars never ate meat. They were only allowed to drink water. Their lives were dedicated to prayer and simple living.
The Leicester Friary
The Friary in Leicester was set up before the year 1283. People believe it was located just outside the old town walls of Leicester, near the Western Gate.
The Friary's Closure
The Leicester Friary closed down before 1295. After it closed, Oliver Sutton, who was the Bishop of Lincoln, said that the land could not be used for regular, non-religious purposes.
Known Leader
We only know of one leader, or "Prior," from the Leicester Friary. His name was Richard, and he was recorded as the Prior in 1283.
