Tresco Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tresco Priory |
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| The Priory of St Nicholas’, Tresco | |
Remains of Tresco Priory in Tresco Abbey Gardens
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 Tresco Priory
Location in Isles of Scilly
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| 49°56′50″N 6°19′52″W / 49.94722°N 6.33111°W | |
| Location | Tresco |
| Country | England |
| History | |
| Founded | 946 AD |
| Dedication | Saint Nicholas |
| Dedicated | 1114 AD |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 23.5 metres (77 ft) |
| Width | 7.5 metres (25 ft) |
The Tresco Priory was once a special place where monks lived and worshipped. It was located on the island of Tresco, Isles of Scilly, which is a group of islands off the coast of Cornwall, England. This priory was first started way back in 946 AD.
Contents
History of Tresco Priory
How the Priory Began
The priory was re-established in 1114. This happened when monks from Tavistock Abbey came to Tresco. They dedicated the priory to Saint Nicholas, who is a very famous saint.
King Henry I, who ruled England a long time ago, wrote a special document called a charter in 1120. This charter said that the priory on Tresco belonged to Tavistock Abbey. It also mentioned that monks or hermits (people who live alone for religious reasons) had lived on the land even before King Edward the Confessor was king.
Papal Approval and Land
Later, in 1193, a very important leader called Pope Celestine III confirmed this. He sent a special letter, known as a Papal Bull. This letter officially gave Tavistock Abbey control over several islands in the Isles of Scilly. These included Tresco (called St Nicholas then), St. Sampson, St. Helens (St Elidius), Tean (St. Theona), and another island called Nutho.
The Pope's letter also said that all the churches and chapels on these islands, along with their offerings and a special tax called "tenths," belonged to the Abbey. It even mentioned some farming land on the islands of Agnes and St. Mary's (Ennor).
Challenges and Closure
Life for the monks at Tresco Priory wasn't always easy. In 1367, King Edward III had to step in to protect them. The monks had complained that their priory was almost ruined and very poor because of attacks from sailors. Even earlier, in 1351, pirates had destroyed much of the priory's property.
The priory eventually closed down. This happened during a time in history called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed many monasteries in England. The Tresco Priory might have even closed before this official time. Today, you can still see the remains of the priory. They are now part of the beautiful Tresco Abbey Gardens.
