Melcombe Priory facts for kids

Melcombe Priory was a special kind of religious house called a Dominican priory. It was located in a town called Melcombe Regis in Dorset, England.

A New Home for Friars

Melcombe Priory was the very last Dominican priory ever started in England. It began in 1418. Two important people, Sir Hugh Deverell and John Rogers, helped to set it up. They got permission from Pope Martin V, who was the leader of the Catholic Church at the time.

The reason they started this priory was simple: the town of Melcombe Regis didn't have any church or religious building of its own. So, the priory became a spiritual home for the people there.

Friars as Builders

The friars, who were the religious men living at the priory, didn't just pray. They also helped protect the town! They built parts of the town's defenses, including a jetty (a pier or landing place) and a tower. Because they helped with these important building projects, the King gave them special benefits and permissions.

The End of the Priory

Sadly, Melcombe Priory didn't last forever. In 1538, a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries happened across England. This was when King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries and priories. Melcombe Priory was taken over by the King.

A few years later, in 1541, the land and buildings of the priory were rented out to Sir John Rogers. He was the grandson of one of the original founders! Then, in 1543, Sir John Rogers bought the priory site completely.

What Happened to the Buildings?

The priory church was dedicated to either Saint Dominic (who founded the Dominican Order) or Saint Winifred. Over time, most of the priory buildings fell into ruin. By 1650, many were already crumbling. However, some parts still remained as late as 1803.

The exact spot where the priory stood was in an area now known as Governor's Lane and Maiden Street. There was also a burial ground nearby, probably to the north. In 1861, the entire site was cleared away to make room for new buildings.