Sheen Priory facts for kids
Sheen Priory was a special kind of monastery called a Carthusian monastery. It was founded way back in 1414 in a place called Sheen, which is now known as Richmond, London. This priory was built on the south side of the River Thames, about 9 miles southwest of the Palace of Westminster in London.
The priory was located about half a mile north of Sheen Palace, which was a royal home right by the river. Today, you can't see any parts of the priory above ground. Its foundations are actually under the 14th hole of the Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course in Richmond's Old Deer Park, near Kew Observatory. Sometimes, people mistakenly call it "Richmond Priory" because the area was renamed in 1501, but its original name was Sheen Priory.
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Why Sheen Priory Was Built
Sheen Priory was part of a big building project by King Henry V (who ruled from 1413 to 1422). He called it "The King's Great Work." This project was mainly focused on rebuilding Sheen Palace.
A King's Promise
Sheen had been a favorite place for an earlier king, Richard II (1377–1399), and his wife, Anne of Bohemia. When Anne sadly died there from an illness in 1394, Richard was so upset that he ordered the palace to be torn down.
Later, Henry IV (1399–1413) became king. He had been involved in the events that led to Richard II's death. To make up for some of his past actions, Henry IV promised to build three monasteries. However, he passed away before he could keep his promise.
Henry V's Grand Plan
Henry V, Henry IV's son, decided to finish what his father had started. He wanted to rebuild Sheen Palace and also build the three monasteries his father had promised. This huge building plan, "The King's Great Work," began in the winter of 1413–1414. It included:
- A new Sheen Palace.
- A monastery for the Celestine Order, which was quickly closed because the French monks wouldn't pray for Henry V during his wars with France.
- The Monastery of St Saviour and St Bridget of Syon, for the Order of St Augustine, also known as Syon Monastery. This was built across the river from Sheen Palace.
- The House of Jesus of Bethlehem of Sheen, for the Carthusian Order, which is the Sheen Priory we are learning about. This was built north of the new palace.
How the Priory Was Set Up
In 1414, King Henry V officially started Sheen Priory. Its full name was "The House of Jesus of Bethlehem of Shene." It was built for 40 monks of the Carthusian order. The priory was about half a mile north of the royal palace. It had 30 small rooms, called cells, arranged around a large courtyard or cloister. To help the priory financially, it was given control of a church and land in Winterbourne Stoke, Wiltshire.
Why the Name Stayed "Sheen"
During the time of King Henry VII (1485–1509), the royal palace at Sheen was rebuilt in 1501. Henry VII had been known as the "Earl of Richmond," so he renamed the palace "Richmond Palace" in his own honor. The entire area, including the town that had grown around the palace, was also renamed from "Sheen" to "Richmond."
Even though the area became Richmond, Sheen Priory kept its original name. This was because it was a religious place, meant to honor God, not the new king or his family. So, while the palace and town became Richmond, the priory remained "Sheen Priory." Today, the old area of Sheen is part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
The Last Resting Place of a King
Sheen Priory became the temporary resting place for the body of James IV of Scotland. He was a king who died in battle at Flodden in 1513. After the English won the battle, they found his body. It was placed in a lead coffin and sent to London, and then to Sheen Priory. However, his body was not actually buried there. This was because James IV had been excommunicated, meaning he was not allowed to be a full member of the church. Over time, both the king's body and the priory itself were lost to history.
Famous People from Sheen Priory
Sheen Priory was known for training many important church leaders in the early 1500s. One of the most famous was Cardinal Pole.
The End of the Priory
Sheen Priory was closed down in 1539. This happened during the time of King Henry VIII and his "Dissolution of the Monasteries." This was when Henry VIII closed many monasteries across England. The priory's buildings and everything it owned became the king's property and were given away as he wished.
