Weybourne Priory facts for kids
Weybourne Priory was a small religious building in Weybourne, Norfolk, England. It was home to a group of monks called Augustinian canons during the Middle Ages. A priory is a type of monastery, which is a place where monks or nuns live and worship.
The Priory's Beginning
Weybourne Priory was started around the year 1200 AD. It was founded by a person named Sir Ralph de Meyngaren (also known as Mainwearing). When it first began, Weybourne Priory was not fully independent. It was connected to and overseen by another, larger priory called West Acre Priory. However, by the year 1314, Weybourne Priory became independent, meaning it could manage its own affairs.
Life and Changes at the Priory
Life at Weybourne Priory changed over the centuries. In 1494, there were only a few religious people living there: one prior and three canons. A prior was the head of the priory, similar to an abbot in a larger monastery. Canons were the monks who lived and worked there.
By 1514, a special visit, called a canonical visitation, found even fewer people. There was only the prior and one canon left. This shows that the priory was becoming very small.
The Priory's End
Weybourne Priory was closed down in 1536. This happened during a time known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII decided to close many monasteries and religious houses across England.
Thomas Bulman, who was the prior at the time, received a small payment called a pension. This was a regular payment given to him after the priory closed. Later, in 1543, he became a rector (a type of priest) in a place called Egmere in Norfolk. After the priory was closed, its land and buildings were given to a person named John Gresham.
What Remains Today
Even though the priory was dissolved centuries ago, parts of it still stand today. The remaining structures of Weybourne Priory are very important. They are listed as a Grade I building, which means they are of exceptional historical interest. The site is also protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, ensuring its preservation for the future.
