Little Dunmow Priory facts for kids
Little Dunmow Priory was an important religious building in Little Dunmow, Essex, England. It was a home for Augustinian canons, who were like monks but followed slightly different rules.
The priory started as a church in 1104. It was founded by a woman named Juga de Baynard. She dedicated the church to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Juga was a powerful lady, the widow of Ralph Baynard. He was a baron and built Baynard's Castle.
After Juga passed away around 1106, her son Geoffrey followed her wishes. He brought Augustinian canons to live and worship at the church. This helped the church grow into a priory.
Later, in 1110, Juga's grandson, William de Baynard, lost his lands. King Henry I then gave these lands to Robert Fitz Richard. However, King Henry and his wife, Matilda of Scotland, made sure the canons kept their property in Little Dunmow. Robert's wife, Maud, later gave even more land to the canons. This helped to make the priory a lasting religious place.
Life at Little Dunmow Priory
For most of its history, Little Dunmow Priory was a quiet place. The canons lived, prayed, and worked there. They followed their religious rules and served the local community.
In 1369, one of the canons, William de Stoke, faced a problem. He was accused of trying to make fake money. This was a serious matter at the time.
The priory was never very large or wealthy. It was valued at about £150 when King Henry VIII decided to close many religious houses. This happened under the Suppression of Religious Houses Act 1535. Little Dunmow Priory was closed down, and its lands were given to Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex.
What Remains Today
Even though most of the priory buildings were taken down, part of it still stands. The old lady chapel of the priory is still used today. It serves as the local parish church for Little Dunmow.
We know about the priory's layout thanks to special digs. Archaeologists explored the site in 1913 and 1914. They found out where the different parts of the priory once stood.
Important People Buried Here
Several notable people were buried at Little Dunmow Priory. These burials show how important the priory was to local families and figures.
- Robert Fitzwalter (died 1235), a powerful local baron.
- Walter of Bibbesworth (1235-1270), an English knight and poet.
- Walter Fitz Robert (around 1124–1198), the second Lord of Little Dunmow.
- Aveline FitzJohn FitzGeoffrey, wife of Sir Walter de Burgh, who was an Earl.
- John FitzWalter, 2nd Baron FitzWalter.
Local stories also say that Maid Marian, a famous character from the Robin Hood legends, might be buried here.
