Nunkeeling Priory facts for kids
Nunkeeling Priory was a special home for Benedictine nuns in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It was started in 1152 by a woman named Agnes de Arches or de Catfoss. The priory was dedicated to two saints: St. Mary Magdalene and St. Helen. It became quite famous, and the nearby village of Keeling was even renamed Nunkeeling because of it.
What Was Nunkeeling Priory?
A priory was like a monastery, but often smaller. It was a place where nuns, who were women dedicated to a religious life, lived together. The nuns at Nunkeeling Priory followed the rules of the Benedictine order. This meant they spent their days in prayer, study, and work. They lived a simple life, helping their community.
Challenges and Changes
Towards the end of the 1200s, Nunkeeling Priory faced tough times. It became very poor, which made it hard for the nuns to live and maintain their home. In the early 1300s, there were also some difficulties with the nuns following all the rules. The archbishop of York, a high-ranking church leader, had to step in to help sort things out.
The End of the Priory
In the 1500s, a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries happened in England. This is when King Henry VIII closed down many religious houses like Nunkeeling Priory. Even though many priories were closed in 1536, Nunkeeling Priory was allowed to continue for a short time. It was even re-established in 1537.
However, by 1540, the priory's remaining lands and belongings were finally given to the King. The land then became property of the crown, meaning it belonged to the King. Later, it was sold off as a large estate. The last leader of the nuns, called the prioress, was Christine Burgh. She moved to Catterick after the priory closed and passed away there in 1566.
The Priory Today
The church that belonged to Nunkeeling Priory was rebuilt in 1810. Parts of the old priory buildings were used to construct the new church. However, over time, this rebuilt church has also fallen into ruins. Today, you can still see the remains of this historic site.
