Spetisbury Priory facts for kids

Spetisbury Priory, also known as Spettisbury Priory, was a special kind of religious building called a priory. It was located in the village of Spetisbury in Dorset, England. A priory was a home for monks or nuns, similar to an abbey, but often smaller or connected to a larger abbey.

Discovering Spetisbury Priory

Spetisbury Priory was a medieval building, meaning it existed a very long time ago, during the Middle Ages. It was a place where monks lived, prayed, and worked. This priory was a small part of a much bigger religious community.

The Priory's Beginnings

The priory at Spetisbury was home to Benedictine monks. These monks followed the rules of Saint Benedict, which included living a simple life dedicated to prayer and work. Spetisbury Priory was like a branch office, or a "cell," of a larger abbey. This main abbey was called the Abbey of St. Peter of Préaux in Normandy, which is in France.

The Spetisbury Priory was also connected to another priory in England, the priory of Toft in Norfolk. It was part of a network of religious houses.

Who Started the Priory?

Important lands and rights in Spetisbury, and also in Charlton Marshall in Dorset, were given to the Abbey of Préaux. This happened during the time of William Rufus, who was King of England from 1087 to 1100.

The gifts were made by a powerful person named Robert, Earl of Leicester. He was also known as the Count of Meulan. In 1118, Robert de Beaumont decided to retire and live out his final days at the Abbey of Préaux.

Changes Over Time

Like many old buildings and institutions, Spetisbury Priory went through many changes over the centuries. Its purpose and ownership shifted as England's history unfolded.

What Happened to Alien Priories?

Spetisbury Priory was known as an "alien house." This meant it was owned by a religious house in another country, in this case, France. During times of war between England and France, these alien priories were often seen as a problem.

In 1414, a big change happened: many alien houses in England were "suppressed." This means they were officially closed down by the government. After this, Spetisbury Priory was eventually given to another religious community. It was given to a "charterhouse" at Witham in Somerset. A charterhouse was a type of monastery for a different group of monks called Carthusians.

The End of the Monasteries

Even more changes came much later, during the 1500s. This period is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this time, King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries, priories, and other religious houses across England.

After Spetisbury Priory was dissolved, its lands and buildings were no longer used for religious purposes. In 1543 or 1544, the former priory was given to a nobleman named Charles Blount, Lord Mountjoy.