Minster in Thanet Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mildred's Priory, Minster-in-Thanet |
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 Minster Abbey on a postcard (ca 1905) |
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 St Mildred's Priory, Minster-in-Thanet
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| OS grid reference | TR313644 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | RAMSGATE |
| Postcode district | CT12 |
| Police | Kent |
| Fire | Kent |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
Minster Abbey is actually the name for two special places in Minster-in-Thanet, Kent, England. The first was a very old religious building, started in the 600s. It was active until the time when many monasteries in England were closed down by the king.
Next to the old ruins is St Mildred's Priory. This is a modern community of Benedictine nuns, which means women who dedicate their lives to God and follow the rules of St Benedict. This new priory was started in 1937.
Contents
The Story of Minster Abbey
How Minster Abbey Began
The story of Minster Abbey starts with a legend called the Kentish Royal Legend. It says that the first abbey was founded around the year 670. It was started by a Kentish princess named Domne Eafe.
Domne Eafe was given land for a place of prayer. This land was given to her as a payment, called "wergild," because her brothers, Æthelred and Æthelberht, had been killed. The legend says she was given as much land as her pet deer could run around in one day. Because of this story, a deer is often used as a symbol for Minster-in-Thanet.
Important Leaders of the Abbey
Domne Eafe was the first abbess, which is the leader of a community of nuns. Around the year 700, her daughter, Mildrith (also known as Mildred), became the next abbess.
After Mildred, Edburga became the abbess. She was the daughter of King Centwine of Wessex. Later, at the end of the 700s, the abbess was Selethryth. She was the sister of King Offa of Mercia. Selethryth was known for getting back lands that belonged to the abbey. After her, Abbess Cwoenthryth took over.
Challenges and Changes Over Time
Some old stories say that the abbey was attacked by Vikings around 855. However, a writer named Asser wrote in the late 800s that "an excellent minster is established on the island," meaning the abbey was still there and doing well.
Many centuries later, during a period known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries, many religious houses in England were closed down. Minster Abbey became property of the Crown, meaning it belonged to the king. It then became a private house for many years.
In 1937, Benedictine nuns from Germany bought the property. They were seeking safety from persecution in their home country. This is how St Mildred's Priory, the modern community, began. In 1953, a small holy item belonging to St Mildred was returned to Minster from the Netherlands.
Visiting Minster Abbey
Most of the abbey grounds are not open to the public. However, you can see the outside of the old Saxon and Norman parts of the building on special guided tours. The abbey's chapel is open for quiet prayer. The nearby parish church, St Mary the Virgin, is also open to visitors.
If you want to visit, there is a train station, Minster railway station, which is only about 350 meters (about 1,150 feet) from the abbey.
Images for kids
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Minster Abbey on a postcard (ca 1905)
