Malton Priory facts for kids
West front of Malton Priory church
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | St Mary's Priory Church |
| Order | Gilbertine |
| Established | 1150 |
| Disestablished | December 1539 |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Eustace fitz John |
| Site | |
| Location | Malton, North Yorkshire, England |
| Grid reference | SE 79861 72549 |
Malton Priory is an old monastery located near Malton, a town in North Yorkshire, England. A powerful lord named Eustace fitz John started Malton Priory around the year 1150. He also founded another priory called Watton Priory.
The priory belonged to the Gilbertine Order. This was a unique religious group that started only in England. Some people believe Eustace fitz John founded these priories to show he was sorry. He had supported the Scots in a big battle called the Battle of the Standard.
Later, the leader of the priory was thought to have joined a protest called the Pilgrimage of Grace. This was a large uprising against changes happening in England at the time.
In 1539, Malton Priory was closed down. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Many monasteries across England were closed by the king. In 1540, Robert Holgate bought the priory's land. He used to be the head of the Gilbertine Order. He later became an important church leader, the Archbishop of York. Holgate used some of the land to start schools, including Malton School.
The Priory Church Today
The most important building left from the priory is its church. It is still used as a local church today. It is the only church of the Gilbertine Order that is still in regular use. Part of the old dining hall, called the refectory, also remains. It is now part of a house known as the Old Abbey.
The church has changed a lot over time. For example, in the 1730s, the top part of the church walls was removed. This made the roof lower. You can still see where the upper windows used to be on the front of the church.
What you see now is the lower part of the main church area, called the nave. One of its two original towers is also still standing. The side aisles, the central tower, and other parts of the church are mostly gone. However, you can still see some old pillars and parts of a small chapel. This chapel used to be on the south side of the main church.
The nave shows signs of a big fire that happened in 1500. This fire caused parts of the church to be rebuilt. The church also had a major repair project in the 1800s. This work was done by an architect named Temple Moore.
Important People Buried Here
Some notable people were buried at Malton Priory. These include:
- William de Aton, 2nd Baron Aton
- William FitzHugh, 4th Baron FitzHugh
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