Orford Priory facts for kids
Orford Priory was a special kind of religious house for women, called Premonstratensian canonesses. It was located in a place called Stainton le Vale in Lincolnshire, England.
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Orford Priory: A Look Back
Orford Priory was a home for a group of religious women known as canonesses. These women were part of the Premonstratensian order, which was a Christian group founded in the 1100s. They lived together in a community, dedicating their lives to prayer and serving God.
When Was Orford Priory Built?
The priory was likely built a very long time ago, during the time of King Henry II. This was in the 1100s. A person named Ralf d'Albini probably started it. He built it to honor the Virgin Mary.
Many Priories in Lincolnshire
During the Middle Ages, the county of Lincolnshire was a very busy and populated area in England. Because of this, there were many religious houses there. Orford Priory was one of nine Premonstratensian houses in Lincolnshire. The others included:
- Barlings Abbey
- Cammeringham Priory
- Hagnaby Abbey
- Newbo Abbey
- Newsham Abbey
- Stixwould Priory
- Tupholme Abbey
- West Ravendale Priory
The End of Orford Priory
Orford Priory came to an end in 1539. This was during a time known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. At that time, there were seven nuns and a prioress living at the priory. A prioress is like the leader of the group of nuns.
What's Left Today?
Today, you can still find some remains of the old priory. These remains, along with parts of a house and garden from a later time, are located just south of what used to be Priory Farm.
