Poulton Priory facts for kids
 Location in Gloucestershire
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Priory of St Mary |
| Order | Gilbertine |
| Established | 1350 |
| Disestablished | 1539 |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Thomas Seymour |
| Site | |
| Location | Poulton, Gloucestershire |
| Coordinates | 51°41′56″N 1°51′50″W / 51.698975°N 1.863894°W |
Poulton Priory, also known as the Priory of St Mary, was an old religious building in Poulton, Gloucestershire, England. It was a special kind of monastery run by a group called the Gilbertines. This group was the only religious order founded in England.
The Priory's Beginnings
The story of Poulton Priory started in 1337. It began as a chantry chapel, which was a small church or part of a church where prayers were said for the souls of specific people. Sir Thomas Seymour founded this chapel.
In 1350, the chapel became a proper priory for Gilbertine canons. Canons were a type of priest who lived together under special rules.
From Priory to Parish Church
The priory continued to be a religious center for many years. However, things changed in 1539 during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries across England.
After the priory was closed, its buildings were used as the local parish church for Poulton. This meant it became the main church for the people living in the area. The old priory building stood until 1873, when it was taken down.
What Happened After?
After the priory was demolished, a new building was constructed on the same spot. Around 1897, a large house in the Tudor style was built there. Sir Arthur Blomfield, a famous architect, designed it for the Marshall family.
Over the years, the mansion had different owners, including James Joicey and Major Alexander Black-Mitchell. During World War II, this house was used as a children's hospital, providing care for young patients during the war.
