Tiptree Priory facts for kids

This is Tiptree Priory house today.

Tiptree Priory was once a small religious building called a priory. It was located in Great Braxted, a village in Essex, England. Later, a house was built on the same spot in the 1500s, and it also took the name Tiptree Priory.

What Was Tiptree Priory?

Tiptree Priory was started in the 1100s by a local family called Tregoz. It was home to a group of Augustinian Canons Regular. These were priests who lived together and followed strict religious rules. The church at the priory was named after Saints Mary and Nicholas.

Why Did the Priory Close?

The Dissolution of the Monasteries

The priory was closed down in 1525. This was part of a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This happened when King Henry VIII decided to take control of many religious buildings in England.

Who Owned It Next?

First, King Henry VIII gave Tiptree Priory to Cardinal Wolsey. He was a very powerful church leader and advisor to the King. In 1526, Cardinal Wolsey gave the priory to his new college in Oxford, which is now called Christ Church. He also gave it to his college in Ipswich.

However, Cardinal Wolsey later lost the King's favor in 1530. Because of this, Tiptree Priory went back to the King. The King then gave it to a person named Edward Huddlestone.

The New House at Tiptree Priory

How the House Was Built

In 1547, Thomas Darcy bought the property. His grandson, Brian Darcy, built the house that stands there today. Brian Darcy was an important local official, serving as the High Sheriff of Essex in 1585. He built the house around 1570.

The new house was made of red brick and had two floors. The old priory church was taken down to make way for the new building.

Later Owners

The Darcy family owned the house for many years. After several generations, the property was sold. Since then, many different families have owned Tiptree Priory.