Witham Charterhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Witham Charterhouse |
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Parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St John Baptist and All Saints, Witham Friary, formerly lay brothers' church of the Charterhouse
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Carthusian |
| Year consecrated | 1178/1179 |
| Status | abandoned |
| Location | |
| Location | Witham Friary, Somerset, England |
Witham Charterhouse, also known as Witham Priory, was a special kind of monastery in England. It was built in 1178 or 1179 in a place called Witham Friary, in Somerset. This was the very first of ten Carthusian monasteries, called charterhouses, ever built in England! Sadly, it was closed down in 1539 during a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Contents
The Story of Witham Charterhouse
Why Was It Built?
King Henry II started Witham Charterhouse. He built it in a royal forest called Selwood Forest. The King wanted to make up for something he had done. This was part of his way of saying sorry for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket of Canterbury.
Who Started It?
A group of monks led by Narbert came from a famous monastery called Grande Chartreuse. They helped set up Witham Charterhouse in 1178 or 1179. Later, in 1180, a monk named Hugh of Avalon became the leader, or "prior," of Witham. He later became known as Saint Hugh.
When Did It Close?
The monastery was closed down on March 15, 1539. This happened during a time when many monasteries in England were shut down. This period is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
What Is It Now?
The church that the lay brothers (monks who did manual work) used is still standing. Today, it is used as the local church for the village of Witham Friary. It is called the parish church of Witham Friary.
Discovering the Past
What Did Digs Find?
People have done archaeological digs at the site of Witham Charterhouse. In 1921, they found parts of strong walls and pieces of old buildings. These included roof tiles and floor tiles that were glazed, meaning they had a shiny coating.
Later, in 1965 and 1968, more digging happened. Workers found more buildings. Two of these were thought to be the "chapter house" (where monks met) and possibly another church.
What Is Left Today?
You can still see signs of the old monastery today. There are large, straight earthworks (shapes in the ground) that show where the buildings once stood. A railway line cuts through some of these earthworks.
Some of the carved stones from the old monastery can also be seen. They were used in other buildings in the village of Witham Friary. Also, the old fishponds that the monks used are still there. You can find them to the east of the main site.
