Stone Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stone Priory |
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Mediaeval rib-vaulted undercroft of crypt of the Priory, above which now stands "Priory House", built post 1750.
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| Religion | |
| Region | Staffordshire |
| Year consecrated | c. 670AD |
| Location | |
| Materials | Stone |
Stone Priory was a special kind of monastery called a priory. It was started in a town called Stone in Staffordshire, England. This happened a very long time ago, around 670 AD.
The church at the priory was named after two important figures: Saint Mary and Saint Wulfad. Wulfad was a local hero from the 600s. People believed he was a son of King Wulfhere of Mercia, who ruled from 658 to 675. A old book from the 1400s, called the Rimed Chronicle of Stone Priory, tells the story of how the priory began. It also lists the rich Stafford family members who supported it and where they were buried.
Contents
The Priory's Amazing Founding Story
There's a famous legend about how Stone Priory started. It says that two brothers, Wulfad and Rufin, were killed by their father, King Wulfhere. This happened because the brothers became Christians, which their father did not want.
The king felt very sad and sorry for what he had done. So, he allowed their mother, Queen Ermenilda, to build a priory. She built it right where her sons were buried. Queen Ermenilda was the daughter of King Eorcenberht from Kent.
The story says King Wulfhere had been a Christian but then stopped following the religion. That's why he was so angry about his sons converting. However, historians like Bede tell a similar story that happened in a different place and much later than King Wulfhere's time.
Rebuilt by the Stafford Family
Stone Priory was later rebuilt in the Middle Ages. It became an Augustinian priory. This means it was run by a group of monks called Augustinians.
A powerful nobleman named Robert de Stafford (who lived from about 1039 to 1100) rebuilt it. He was the first leader of the Stafford family in Staffordshire. He also built Stafford Castle as his home. Many of his family members, who later became important Earls and Dukes, were buried at the priory.
The Priory Closes Down
In the 1500s, King Henry VIII decided to close down many monasteries in England. This event is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. After this, a rich merchant named William I Crompton bought Stone Priory. He made his money in London.
His son, William II Crompton (who died in 1603), lived in Stone. He married Jane Aston. You can still see a stone tomb with statues of William II Crompton and his wife in the churchyard of St Michael and St Wulfad. It's outside now, but it used to be inside the priory church.
What Happened to the Buildings?
The old priory buildings started to fall apart in the 1750s. They were then taken down. A new church, called St Michael and St Wulfad's Church, was built in its place. They even used many of the stones from the old priory to build the new church.
Some parts of the old priory still exist today. You can see parts of an old wall on Abbey Street. Also, a part of the priory's underground area is now in the cellar of a house called "The Priory." This house might have been built for the local priest. In the 1700s, a wall was built inside this house, blocking off a section of the old crypt.
In the garden behind "The Priory" house, there are a few small remains. These might be from the chapter-house, which was a meeting room for the monks. You can see parts of a large stone pillar from the early 1300s.
The Priory's Ancient Seal
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In August 2011, something amazing was found! A metal detectorist discovered a bronze seal from the 1200s or 1300s. This seal was used by the Prior (the head of the priory) to put a wax stamp on important legal papers. It was found in a field near Cobham in Surrey.
The seal is shaped like an almond, which was common for church seals. It shows the Virgin Mary sitting down. In her right hand, she holds a palm branch, which is a symbol of someone who died for their faith. On her lap sits baby Jesus, who has a halo. He holds something in his left hand, maybe a book or a small model of the priory church. His right hand is raised, giving a blessing.
Around the edge of the seal, there's a Latin message. It says: "The seal of the church of Saint Mary and Saint Wulfad, Martyr, of Stone."
This seal was even named the 17th best historical find in the UK on a TV show called Britain’s Secret Treasures. People in Stone worked hard to raise £8,000 to buy the seal. They wanted to keep this important piece of history in their town. They held many fundraising events, even selling wax copies of the seal! The Stone Town Council also gave £1,000.
Philip Leason, who leads the Stone Historical Society, was very happy. He said, "I am absolutely delighted that we are able to keep this important part of the heritage of Stone in the town. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fund." They are now raising more money to buy a special display case for the seal and to have it cleaned and preserved.
Important People Buried Here
Some important people were buried at Stone Priory:
- Hugh de Stafford, 2nd Earl of Stafford (1342-1386): He was a powerful Earl from Stafford Castle. He died in Rhodes while on a Crusade (a religious war), and his bones were brought back to be buried here.
- Philippa de Beauchamp: She was buried next to her husband, Hugh de Stafford.
- Thomas Stafford, 3rd Earl of Stafford (around 1368-1392): He was the son of Hugh and Philippa.
Images for kids
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Mediaeval rib-vaulted undercroft of crypt of the Priory, above which now stands "Priory House", built post 1750.
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Another view of the crypt
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Effigies of William II Crompton (d.1603) of Stone, whose father purchased Stone Priory at the Dissolution, and his wife Jane Aston, churchyard of St Michael and St Wulfad, Stone
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Church of St Michael and St Wulfad, Lichfield Street, Stone, built 1750s on the site of Stone Priory
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Bronze seal matrix/die of Stone Priory, 13/14th c. (mirror image, as wax seal would appear)
