List of monastic houses in Surrey facts for kids
This article explores the monastic houses in Surrey, England. Monastic houses were places where groups of people, like monks or nuns, lived together. They followed strict religious rules. These places were very important in history. They often served as centers for learning, prayer, and helping the local community.
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Famous Monastic Houses in Surrey
Surrey was home to several important monastic sites. These included large abbeys and smaller priories. Each had its own unique story and purpose.
Chertsey Abbey: A Royal History
Chertsey Abbey was a very old and important place. It was first founded around 666 AD by Benedictine monks. These monks followed the rules of Saint Benedict. The abbey was destroyed by Viking raids around 872 AD.
Later, it was rebuilt before 964 AD. The monks lived there for many centuries. The abbey was dedicated to Saint Peter. It was a powerful and wealthy religious center. However, it was closed down in 1537 during the time of King Henry VIII. Today, you can still see parts of its old walls and learn about its rich history.
Newark Priory: By the River Wey
Newark Priory was a priory for Augustinian Canons Regular. These were priests who lived together under a strict rule. It was founded around 1189. Ruald de Calva and his wife Beatrice started this priory. It was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Thomas a Becket.
The priory was located near the River Wey. It was a peaceful place for prayer and community life. Like many other monastic houses, Newark Priory was closed in 1539. Its ruins are still visible today and are a popular spot to visit.
Reigate Priory: From Hospital to School
Reigate Priory has a very interesting past. It started as a hospital between 1217 and 1235. It was founded by William de Warren. Later, it became a priory for Augustinian Canons Regular in 1235. Some records also suggest it might have been home to Crutched Friars.
The priory was closed in 1535. Most of its original buildings were taken down. A new house was built in its place. This house was later rebuilt as a grand mansion in 1771. Since 1948, Reigate Priory has been used as a school. It also has a public museum. It is located in the beautiful Priory Park.
Tandridge Priory: A Small but Ancient Site
Tandridge Priory began as a hospital around 1189. It was founded by Odo de Dammartin. It later became a priory for Augustinian Canons Regular around 1200. The priory was dedicated to Saint James.
This priory was smaller than some of the larger abbeys. It played an important role in its local area. Tandridge Priory was closed in 1538. Today, you can still see parts of the historic site.
Waverley Abbey: England's First Cistercian Abbey
Waverley Abbey is very special. It was the first Cistercian abbey in England. Cistercian monks were known for their simple lives and hard work. The abbey was founded on November 24, 1128, by William Giffard. He was the Bishop of Winchester.
Waverley Abbey was dedicated to Saint Mary. It grew to be a large and influential community. The monks lived a life of prayer and farming. The abbey was closed in 1536. Today, its beautiful ruins are managed by English Heritage. They are a popular place to visit and explore.
Wanborough Grange: A Farm for Monks
Wanborough Grange was not a priory or an abbey itself. It was a grange for the Cistercian monks of Waverley Abbey. A grange was like a farm or an estate that belonged to a monastery. It helped provide food and resources for the monks.
Wanborough Grange was founded in 1130. It was closed along with Waverley Abbey in 1536. The large barn at Wanborough Grange has been restored. It is now owned by Guildford Borough Council and cared for by the Guildford Museum.
Other Monastic Sites in Surrey
Guildford Blackfriars: A Friary in the Town
Guildford Blackfriars was a home for Dominican Friars. Friars were different from monks because they often lived in towns and preached to people. This friary was founded in 1275 by Queen Eleanor of Provence. She was the wife of King Henry III.
The friary was dedicated to Saint Dominic. It was closed in 1538. Today, a shopping center called 'The Friary' stands on the site.
Woking Monastery: An Early Saxon Site
Woking Monastery was a very early Saxon monastery. It was thought to have been founded around 690 AD. It was likely a dependency of Peterborough. This means it was connected to a larger monastery.
The monastery was probably destroyed during Viking raids in 871 AD. It was dedicated to Saint Peter. Today, there are no visible remains of the monastery. However, its history is an important part of Woking's past.
Almners Priory
Almners Priory is a building from the 17th century. While it has the name "Priory," its connection to an older monastic community is not clear from historical records.
Horsley Priory
Horsley Priory was supposedly home to Benedictine nuns. It was thought to be located at Rowbarnes, East Horsley. However, not much is known about its history or when it closed.
Leatherhead Priory (Alleged)
There is an alleged monastery in Leatherhead. It was said to be for Cistercian monks and founded in 1263. However, there isn't strong evidence to prove it was a real monastery. A house called 'The Priory' was later built on the site.
Guildford Friars de Ordine Martyrum and Crutched Friars
These were two other groups of friars possibly in Guildford. The Friars de Ordine Martyrum were founded in 1260. They might have been a Polish group of Crutched Friars. The Crutched Friars were known for carrying a cross. It's possible these two groups were actually the same. Their exact history and when they closed are not fully known.
No Monastic Connection
- Nutfield Priory — This building is now a hotel in Nutfield, Surrey. It does not have a historical monastic connection.
See also
Images for kids
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Laleham Abbey
