Watton Priory facts for kids
Watton Priory was a special kind of religious home called a priory. It belonged to a group known as the Gilbertine Order. This priory was located in a place called Watton in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It was unique because it was a double monastery, meaning it had separate areas for both monks and nuns.
A man named Eustace fitz John started Watton Priory in the year 1150. The buildings you see there today were mostly built much later, during the 1300s and 1400s. A newer house was added in the 1800s. Today, Watton Priory is considered a very important historical building. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it has special protection because of its history and architecture.
History of Watton Priory
Royal Connections at Watton
Watton Priory has a connection to English royalty. King Edward I of England once kept a young Scottish princess there. Her name was Marjorie Bruce. She stayed at the priory for eight years after she was captured. She was released after King Edward I passed away.
The Priory's End
The priory continued to operate for many years. However, in 1539, King Henry VIII decided to close many religious houses in England. This event is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Watton Priory was one of the places that was closed down at this time. The last leader of the priory was a man named Robert Holgate. He later became an important religious leader, serving as the Bishop of Llandaff and then the Archbishop of York.
