Montacute Priory facts for kids
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The gatehouse
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Cluniac |
| Established | c. 1078 |
| Disestablished | 1539 |
| Site | |
| Location | Montacute, Somerset, England |
| Coordinates | 50°56′54″N 2°43′02″W / 50.9482°N 2.7172°W |
Montacute Priory was a special kind of monastery called a Cluniac priory. It belonged to the Benedictine order. This important religious site was located in Montacute, a village in Somerset, England. Monasteries like this were places where monks lived, prayed, and worked together.
Contents
History of Montacute Priory
Montacute Priory was founded a long time ago, between the years 1078 and 1102. It was started by a powerful person named William, Count of Mortain. He decided to build it because the King might have taken his land if he didn't.
Becoming Independent
For many years, Montacute Priory was connected to a much larger monastery in France called Cluny Abbey. It was the only priory in Somerset that reported to Cluny. But in 1407, Montacute Priory became independent from France. This meant it could make its own decisions.
The End of the Priory
The priory was closed down in 1539. This was part of a big event in England called the dissolution of the monasteries. During this time, many monasteries were closed by King Henry VIII. There was a short time when it reopened under Queen Mary, but it closed again later.
How Many Monks Lived There?
At its busiest time in 1262, there were 25 monks living at Montacute Priory. By 1539, when it was closed, there were 16 monks and a leader called a Prior.
Land and Churches
The priory owned a lot of land and several churches. For example, in 1192, it was given land in a place called Mudford. This area became known as Mudford Monachorum, which means "Mudford of the monks." The Church of St Mary in Mudford was also given to the priory. Later, in 1339, the priory gave this church to the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
The Church of St Michael in Creech St Michael also came under the priory's ownership in 1362. The priory even had a smaller branch, or "cell," at Kerswell Priory in Devon.
What Remains Today?
Most of Montacute Priory is gone now. But some parts still exist.
Abbey Farmhouse
The most important remaining part is the Abbey Farmhouse. This building was constructed in the 1500s. It actually includes the old gateway of Montacute Priory. This farmhouse is a very old and important building, listed as Grade I. After the priory closed, it became a farm. It was used as a farm for many centuries.
Other Remains
You can also find some earthworks about 90 meters southeast of the Abbey Farmhouse. These are like bumps and hollows in the ground. They might be the remains of other buildings from the priory, like the cloister area. There might even be an old fishpond there.
