Little Malvern Priory facts for kids
Little Malvern Priory is a historic place in the village of Little Malvern, close to Malvern, Worcestershire, in England. For many years, from about 1171 to 1537, it was a Benedictine monastery. A monastery is a special home where monks live, work, and pray together. The monks at Little Malvern Priory were part of the Benedictine order, which follows rules set by St. Benedict.
Today, the site is home to a building called Little Malvern Court. This house is open to the public only at certain times. Next to it stands the beautiful Little Malvern Priory church, which is dedicated to St Giles. This church is a very important historical building, listed as Grade I.
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History of Little Malvern Priory
How the Priory Started
Little Malvern Priory was first built around the year 1171. It was founded by monks from Worcester Cathedral, which is another important religious site nearby. For over 350 years, monks lived and worshipped here.
Changes Over Time
Most of the original church from the 12th century is no longer standing. The church you see today was mostly rebuilt much later, between 1480 and 1482. This means parts of the building are very old, from the Middle Ages.
The current church building includes the chancel, which is the part of the church where the altar is, and a crossing tower. A crossing tower is a tower built where the main parts of the church cross each other. There is also a modern entrance area called a west porch.
What Remains Today
Some parts of the old priory are now in ruins. For example, the transepts, which are the arms of the church that stick out like a cross, and two small chapels next to the main choir area, are no longer complete. Even so, the remaining church and Little Malvern Court show us a lot about its long history.
Visiting Little Malvern Priory
While Little Malvern Court has limited visiting hours, the adjacent Little Malvern Priory church is a wonderful place to explore. It offers a glimpse into the past and the lives of the monks who once lived there.
You can find more information about other similar places in England by looking at the Abbeys and priories in England. The National Grid reference for Little Malvern Priory is SO770404.
