Monkton Farleigh Priory facts for kids
The Priory of St Mary Magdalene was a special religious building called a Cluniac priory. It was located in Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire, England. This priory was active for many years, from the 12th century until the 16th century.
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What Was the Priory of St Mary Magdalene?
A priory was a type of monastery, a place where monks lived and prayed together. The Priory of St Mary Magdalene was part of the Cluniac order. This was a group of monks who followed strict rules from a famous monastery in Cluny, France. They focused on prayer, study, and helping their community.
How the Priory Began
The Priory of St Mary Magdalene was started shortly after the year 1120. It was founded by a woman named Maud, who was the widow of Humphrey I de Bohun. Her son, Humphrey II de Bohun, also helped. They wanted to create a place for monks to live and worship.
A church for the priory was likely finished around 1150. Over time, the priory became quite important. It gained control of several large estates, lands, and other churches. This helped the priory to grow and support its monks.
Changes Over Time
The priory was rebuilt and made larger in the early 13th century. This included building an even bigger church for the monks. The priory continued to operate for centuries.
However, in 1536, a big change happened across England. This was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this time, many monasteries and priories were closed down by the government. When the Priory of St Mary Magdalene was closed, there were six monks living there.
What Remains Today?
Today, parts of the old priory are still visible. Some of its remains were used to build Monkton Farleigh Manor. This is a large house that stands where the priory once was.
Another important part that still exists is the Monk's Well conduit house. This small building is about 280 metres west of the manor house. It has likely provided water to the priory and later the manor house since the early 12th century. It is now protected as a scheduled monument, meaning it's an important historical site.
