St. Leonard's Priory, Norwich facts for kids
St. Leonard's Priory, Norwich was an important religious building located in Norfolk, England. It was like a smaller branch of the much larger Norwich Cathedral. This priory played a role in local history, especially during a time of big changes in England.
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What Was St. Leonard's Priory?
A priory was a type of monastery, which is a place where monks or nuns lived and prayed. St. Leonard's Priory was a "dependent cell," meaning it was closely connected to and controlled by Norwich Cathedral. Think of it like a smaller office or branch of a main company. Monks at the priory would follow religious rules and dedicate their lives to prayer and study.
Life Before the Reformation
Before a major historical event called the English Reformation, St. Leonard's Priory was a busy religious center. The Reformation was a time in the 1500s when the Church in England changed a lot, moving away from the Pope's authority in Rome. Before these changes, the priory was an active part of the religious life in Norwich, supporting the larger cathedral.
From Priory to Mansion: Mount Surrey
After the Reformation, many religious buildings like St. Leonard's Priory were closed down by the King. In 1542, the priory was bought by a powerful nobleman known as the Earl of Surrey. He decided to turn the old priory into a grand house, which he named Mount Surrey. This shows how buildings changed their purpose during this period of history.
A Place of Imprisonment During Kett's Rebellion
Mount Surrey, the former priory, became involved in a significant event in 1549 called Kett's Rebellion. This was a time when many ordinary people in Norfolk protested against unfair land practices and other issues. The rebels, led by Robert Kett, used Mount Surrey as a place to hold important people they had captured. These were often wealthy landowners or officials, sometimes called 'gentry captives', who the rebels hoped to use to achieve their goals. This event highlights the priory's unexpected role in a major social uprising.
