Wilsford Priory facts for kids

Wilsford Priory was a special kind of monastery called a Benedictine alien priory. It was located in a place called Wilsford, Lincolnshire, in England.

A priory was like a smaller monastery, where monks lived and prayed. An "alien priory" meant it was owned by a larger monastery in another country, usually France.

What Was Wilsford Priory?

Wilsford Priory was a small religious house that belonged to a much bigger abbey (a type of monastery) called Le Bec Hellouin. This main abbey was located far away in Normandy, which is a region in France.

Monks who lived at Wilsford Priory followed the rules of the Benedictines, a very old Christian order. Their lives were dedicated to prayer, work, and study.

How Did Wilsford Priory Start?

The land where Wilsford Priory was built was given as a gift to the Abbey of Le Bec Hellouin. This gift was made by a person named Hugh Wake. He gave the land during the time when Stephen was the King of England (between 1135 and 1155). So, the priory started as a way for the French abbey to have a presence and some income in England.

Challenges Faced by the Priory

Life for Wilsford Priory wasn't always easy. Because it was an "alien priory," it had strong ties to France. During times of war between England and France, these priories often faced problems.

Loyalty to the King

In 1324, the leader of Wilsford Priory, known as the Prior, had to make a promise. He had to swear to the King of England that he would be loyal. He also promised not to send money or goods out of England to France. He couldn't even leave the country without the King's permission. This shows how much the English kings worried about money and loyalty during conflicts with France.

Financial Difficulties

The priory also had money troubles. By 1380, the income of Wilsford Priory was very low. After paying its required fees, there wasn't enough money left to support the Prior and the monks living there. Because of this, the King actually forgave them for two years of unpaid fees. This suggests the priory was struggling to survive.

Who Took Over the Priory?

Eventually, Wilsford Priory changed hands. During the reign of Edward III of England (who was King from 1327 to 1377), the priory was given to a nobleman. This person was Thomas Holland, 2nd Earl of Kent. He was a descendant of Hugh Wake, the original person who gave the land.

Finally, in 1401, the property of Wilsford Priory was passed on to another English monastery. This was Bourne Abbey, which was also located in Lincolnshire. This change meant that Wilsford Priory was no longer an "alien priory" connected to France.