Polsloe Priory facts for kids

Polsloe Priory, also known as St Katherine's Priory, was a special home for Benedictine nuns in Devon, England. Nuns are women who dedicate their lives to God and live together in a nunnery. This priory was started around 1159 on land near Exeter. At that time, it was the only place like it for women in Devon. Later, two more nunneries were built in Devon at Cornworthy and Canonsleigh Abbey.

What Was Polsloe Priory?

Polsloe Priory was a Benedictine priory, which means it followed the rules of Saint Benedict. It was built on land that is now part of the city's suburb of Polsloe. The first leader of the priory, called a prioress, that we know about was Avelina in 1218. The priory owned some land and buildings, including the Church of St Mary, Marston Magna in Somerset.

The Priory's End

Like many other religious places in England, Polsloe Priory was closed down by King Henry VIII. This happened in 1539 as part of a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Even though the priory paid a large sum of £400 to try and stay open, it was still closed. When it closed, there were 14 nuns living there, including the prioress and the subprioress (the second in charge).

What Remains Today?

Most of the buildings of Polsloe Priory were torn down after it closed. However, one building still stands. It is made of local red sandstone and is thought to be from around 1320. This building has been given a special status by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building. Since 1934, the building has been owned by the City Council. As of 2016, a local community group uses it for different events and activities.