Sack Friary, Bristol facts for kids
The Sack Friary, Bristol was a special religious house in Bristol, England. It was started in 1266 and closed down in 1286.
The religious group living there was called the Friars of the Sack. They were also known as the Brothers of Penitence. These friars were part of a type of religious order called "mendicant orders." This means they lived very simply and relied on donations from people to survive, often traveling and preaching.
Contents
The Friars of the Sack
The Friars of the Sack first appeared in England in 1257. It seems their order began in Italy around 1251, where they were known as "Fratres de Sacco." From Italy, they spread to many places, including Britain, France, Spain, Germany, and even Palestine.
Why Were They Called "Friars of the Sack"?
The name "Friars of the Sack" might come from the simple clothes they wore. They often wore a coarse, sack-like cloth. This showed their commitment to a very plain and humble way of life.
Why Did Some Orders Disband?
In 1274, a big meeting called the Second Council of Lyon happened. Leaders of the church discussed how many mendicant religious orders there were. They decided there were too many. Only four main orders were allowed to continue: the Franciscans, the Dominicans, the Carmelites, and the Austin Friars. All the smaller orders, like the Friars of the Sack, were told to close down.
The Sack Friary in Bristol
The first time we hear about the Friars of the Sack in Bristol was around 1266. At that time, Henry III of England, who was the king, gave the friars six oak trees from Selwood Forest. These trees were for building their friary.
Where Was the Friary Located?
Old records from 1287 show that the Friars of the Sack had a house in Bristol before that year. However, no one is completely sure exactly where it was located. It's a bit of a mystery!
The last time the order is mentioned in Bristol is in a document from October 31, 1322. This paper talks about a piece of land or property near the church of the "Friars di saccis." This land was outside Bristol Temple Gate. The document was signed by Simon de Ely, an important citizen of Bristol, and given to William de Cameleigh.
