Wolston Priory facts for kids

Wolston Priory was once a Benedictine priory, which is a type of monastery, located near the village of Wolston in Warwickshire, England. Today, you can still see the earthwork remains of the priory, which are protected as a special historical site. There's also a house nearby, now called Priory Farm, that was built using parts of the old priory buildings. This house is considered very important historically.

What Was Wolston Priory?

A priory was a religious house where monks or nuns lived and prayed. Wolston Priory was established sometime between 1086 and 1194. It was built on land given by a person named Hubert Boldran to a larger Benedictine Abbey called St-Pierre-sur-Dives in France.

How Did the Priory Start?

The Benedictine monks followed the rules of St. Benedict, focusing on prayer, study, and work. Wolston Priory was not a very large place. It was quite modest in size.

Changes Over Time

By the year 1388, the priory was not in very good condition. It was described as being "run down." Just a few years later, in 1394, it was transferred to another group of monks called the Carthusians, who were based in Coventry.

The End of the Monasteries

Later, during a period known as the Dissolution, many monasteries in England were closed down by the king. After this happened, Wolston Priory was bought by a man named Roger Wigston. He likely turned the old rectory building (where the priest lived) into a family home.

A Secret Printing Press

This house, now known as Priory Farm, has a very interesting secret! In its cellar, some important pamphlets were secretly printed. These pamphlets, known as the Martin Marprelate tracts, were written to criticize the leaders of the Church of England. Printing them was a dangerous act at the time.

Who Lived There?

The house stayed with the Wigston family until Roger Wigston passed away in 1608. His grandson, Sir Peter Wentworth, who was a well-known politician, then inherited the property. In the 1700s, the house was sold by the descendants of Fisher Wentworth. Later, it was bought by the Wilcox family, who owned it until about 1926.

What Does it Look Like Today?

The house at Priory Farm is built from red sandstone blocks and has a roof made of clay tiles. It also includes some older timber framing from the 1500s. The main part of the house has two stories with a tall, pointed roof window. On either side, there's a three-story section and a wing stretching out to the west.