Ranton Abbey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ranton Abbey |
|
|---|---|
Ranton Abbey tower and ivy-covered remains of Abbey House, destroyed by fire in World War II, viewed from southwest, May 2008
|
|
| Alternative names | Ranton Priory |
| General information | |
| Type | Priory |
| Location | Ranton, Staffordshire, England |
| Coordinates | 52°48′57″N 2°14′29″W / 52.81576°N 2.24149°W |
| Construction started | circa 1150 |
Ranton Abbey, also known as Ranton Priory, was once an important religious building in Ranton, Staffordshire, England. It was a type of priory for Augustinian monks. The priory was built around 1150. It became very successful in the 1200s.
Sadly, Ranton Priory was closed down in 1536. This happened during a time when many monasteries in England were shut down by the government. Today, only a few parts of the original building remain.
Contents
Ranton Abbey: A Look Back in Time
Ranton Abbey was founded by Robert and Celestia Noel of Ellenhall. They started the priory around 1150. It was a home for Augustinian canons, who were a type of monk. These monks came from Haughmond Abbey near Shrewsbury.
The priory was a place for prayer and study. It also played a role in the local community. Many important people were buried there. One famous person was Sir Thomas Harcourt, who died in 1417.
What Remains of the Abbey Today?
Most of Ranton Abbey is now in ruins. The main part that still stands is a tall tower. This tower was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. You can also see a small part of the nave wall. The nave was the main part of the church.
This wall has a special Norman doorway. It is decorated with a "roll moulding" design. This shows how old the building is. In 1663, more of the abbey was still standing. This included the cloisters, which were covered walkways.
The Story of Abbey House
Next to the abbey ruins, you can find the remains of Abbey House. This large house was built in 1820. It was built by Thomas, the 1st Earl of Lichfield. He used it as a hunting lodge or a weekend home.
However, Abbey House was accidentally destroyed by fire. This happened in 1942 during World War II. At that time, soldiers from Queen Wilhelmina's bodyguard were staying there.
Ranton Village and Its History
The village of Ranton is small and spread out. It is about five miles west of Stafford. In 1851, about 320 people lived in the parish. The land mostly belonged to the Earl of Lichfield.
The area has a long history. Before the Norman Conquest, a Saxon nobleman named Goderick owned the land. Later, it was owned by the Noel and Harcourt families. The Earl of Lichfield was the lord of the manor.
The abbey area itself was a special "extra parochial liberty." This meant it was a separate area with its own rules. In 1851, 28 people lived there. Abbey House was the home of E.D. Moore, Esq.
