Rocester Abbey facts for kids
Rocester Abbey was an old monastery in Rocester, Staffordshire, England. A monastery is a place where monks live and pray together. Today, you can't see any parts of the abbey above the ground.
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What Was Rocester Abbey?
Rocester Abbey was a special type of monastery called an Augustinian abbey. It was named St. Mary, Rocester. It was built in a beautiful area called Dovedale.
When Was Rocester Abbey Built?
The abbey was started a very long time ago, between the years 1141 and 1146. A person named Richard Bacon helped to create it. He was connected to important people like the Earls of Chester.
Who Supported the Abbey?
At first, the powerful Earls of Chester helped to support the abbey. They were like its main sponsors. But after the 7th Earl died in 1237, the King took over the Earl's lands and became the abbey's new supporter.
How Did the Abbey Get Money?
Rocester Abbey was quite small and didn't have much money at first. But things got better in the 1200s. The monks were given permission to hold a weekly market and a yearly fair in Rocester. This helped them earn more money and become more stable.
The End of Rocester Abbey
In 1538, Rocester Abbey was closed down. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when many monasteries in England were closed by the King.
How Many Monks Lived There?
When the abbey was closed, there were only 8 monks living there, plus the abbot (who was the head monk).
What Happened to the Buildings?
After it closed, much of the abbey was taken apart. People used the stones and other materials for other buildings. The land was then sold to a man named Richard Trentham. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he was a politician who helped make laws for the country.
What Is There Now?
Richard Trentham built a manor house for his family on the land where the abbey used to be. Today, the area is known as Abbey Fields. It's an open space, and you can even find small signs of an old Roman fort that was there before the abbey!
