Rumburgh Priory facts for kids
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Rumburgh Priory was a special kind of monastery called a Benedictine priory. It was located in the small village of Rumburgh in the English county of Suffolk. A priory was a religious house, usually smaller than an abbey, where monks lived and prayed. The monks at Rumburgh followed the rules of Saint Benedict.
Contents
The Priory's Beginnings
Rumburgh Priory started around the year 1065. It was first set up as a "cell" of St Benet's Abbey. A cell was like a smaller branch or outpost of a larger monastery. St Benet's Abbey was located at Hulme in Norfolk.
How Many Monks Lived There?
We know a bit about Rumburgh Priory from the Domesday Book. This was a huge survey ordered by William the Conqueror in 1085-1086 to record who owned what in England. At the time of this survey, Rumburgh Priory was home to 12 monks.
Changes in Ownership
Towards the end of the 1100s, the priory's ownership changed. It was transferred to St Mary's Abbey, York in the city of York. The monks at Rumburgh were especially dedicated to Saint Bee. They honored her every year around September 29th, which is known as Michaelmas.
What Happened to the Priory?
Rumburgh Priory also had smaller chapels, which are like small churches, in nearby villages called Wissett and Spexhall. However, the priory was "suppressed" in 1528. This means it was officially closed down.
Why Was It Closed?
The priory was closed by Cardinal Wolsey. He was a very powerful figure in England at the time. He used the money and resources from Rumburgh Priory to help build a new school. This school was called Cardinal College (now Ipswich School) in Ipswich. The monks who lived at Rumburgh were told to move to other monasteries that followed the same Benedictine rules.
Rumburgh Priory Today
Even though the priory itself was closed, its church still stands today. It is now the local parish church for Rumburgh village. The church is dedicated to St Michael and St Felix.
A Historic Building
This church is a very important historical building. It is listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it has exceptional historical or architectural interest. The church has many parts that date back to the 1200s and 1400s. It even has a unique tower from the 1200s.
