St Mary's Abbey, Winchester facts for kids

St. Mary's Abbey, also known as the Nunnaminster, was a Benedictine nunnery in Winchester, England. It was a special place where nuns lived and prayed. The abbey was started around 899 to 902 by Ealhswith, who was the wife of Alfred the Great. Their son, Edward the Elder, helped finish the first buildings. One of Edward's daughters, Edburga, even became a nun there!

The Abbey's History

A New Start for the Nunnaminster

After the year 963, a bishop named Æthelwold gave the monastery a fresh start. He gave it more money and made the nuns follow stricter rules, known as the Benedictine rule. Æthelwold also chose a woman named Æthelthryth to be the abbess, which is like the leader of the nuns. He might have also moved the remains of Edburga, who was now seen as a saint, to a more important spot in the abbey.

Where Was the Abbey Located?

The Nunnaminster stood between High Street and Colebroke Street in Winchester. It owned many lands, which helped support the nuns. For example, according to a very old record called the Domesday Book, the abbess controlled areas like Lyss, Froyle, and Timsbury in Hampshire. They also had land in Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Changes Over Time

The Nunnaminster was rebuilt after the Norman Conquest, probably around the year 1100. After this, it became known as St. Mary's Abbey. But the abbey faced tough times! During a period of fighting called The Anarchy, a big fire in Winchester in 1141 burned down the monastery.

The abbey became quite poor in the 1300s and 1400s. However, with some help and gifts, it managed to get back on its feet. By the time it closed, it was doing quite well.

The End of the Abbey

St. Mary's Abbey was closed down in November 1539. This was part of a big event called the Dissolution of the monasteries, when many monasteries in England were shut down by the king. The abbess, prioress, and all the nuns were given money to live on after the abbey closed.

What's Left Today?

Many parts of the abbey buildings were still standing in the 1600s. But today, most of it is gone. Only some old water channels from the original site can still be seen.

Important Burials

• Eadburh of Winchester: She was buried here, though some of her remains were later moved to another abbey in 972.