Bicknacre Priory
Bicknacre Priory, also known historically as Woodham Priory or Woodham Ferrers Priory, was a community of Austin Canons located in Bicknacre, Essex, England. Originally a hermitage, it was established as a priory around 1175 by Maurice Fitzgeoffrey. Despite royal confirmations and grants, the priory faced financial difficulties and gradually declined, ultimately being dissolved in 1507.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a hermitage before 1157, converted to Austin Canons around 1175.
- ›Established by Maurice Fitzgeoffrey as a royal foundation dedicated to St. Mary and St. John the Baptist.
- ›Received charters of confirmation from Henry II, Richard I, and Henry VI.
- ›Suffered from financial difficulties throughout the 15th century.
- ›Dissolved in 1507 and later granted to the Hospital of St. Mary without Bishopsgate.
- ›The only surviving remnant is a single arch, believed to be part of the church crossing.
- the Site Is Known As Priory Fields.
- A Single Arch, Believed To Be Part of the Church Crossing, Dating From C. 1250.
Woodham Priory, Woodham Ferrers Priory
Maurice Fitzgeoffrey
Dissolution In 1507.
About Bicknacre Priory
Bicknacre Priory, also historically referred to as Woodham Priory or Woodham Ferrers Priory, was a religious house for Austin Canons situated in Bicknacre, within the parish of Woodham Ferrers in Essex, England. Its establishment marked a transition from an earlier hermitage to a monastic community, playing a role in the religious and landholding landscape of medieval Essex.
History and Foundation
The monastery's origins lie in a hermitage that existed before 1157. Around the close of 1175, this hermitage was transformed into a priory for Austin Canons by Maurice FitzGeoffrey of Tilty. This foundation was recognized as a royal undertaking, with the church dedicated to St. Mary and St. John the Baptist. FitzGeoffrey's involvement was partly motivated by a desire to settle a significant debt owed to King Henry II, who subsequently confirmed the priory's possessions. Further royal charters of confirmation were granted by Richard I and later by Henry VI in 1449, underscoring its royal patronage.
Financial Difficulties and Dissolution
Despite royal support and acquisitions, such as the church of Woodham Ferrers and a share in the presentation to Steeple church, Bicknacre Priory's endowments were not extensive. Consequently, it frequently encountered financial challenges. Throughout the 15th century, the priory appears to have fallen into a state of decline. This culminated in its dissolution on February 10, 1507, following an inquisition that found no canons present. The priory and its extensive lands were then surrendered to the king. In 1509, the king granted Bicknacre Priory and its possessions to the Hospital of St. Mary without Bishopsgate in London. After the suppression of this hospital during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538, all its properties, including the advowsons of Woodham Ferrers and Steeple churches, were granted to Henry Polsted in 1540.
Surviving Remains
Today, Bicknacre Priory is largely represented by ruins. The only surviving architectural remnant believed to belong to the priory is a single arch, thought to be the west side of the church crossing, which dates from approximately 1250. The site where the priory once stood is now known as Priory Fields.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bicknacre Priory founded?
The origins of Bicknacre Priory trace back to a hermitage established sometime before 1157. Around the end of 1175, this hermitage was transformed into a house of Austin Canons.
Who founded Bicknacre Priory?
The conversion of the hermitage into a priory of Austin Canons was initiated by Maurice FitzGeoffrey of Tilty. He was pardoned for a large debt to King Henry II for undertaking this foundation.
What religious order was based at Bicknacre Priory?
Bicknacre Priory was home to a community of Austin Canons. They were initially known as the canons of Woodham before the name 'Bicknacre' became more common.
What happened to Bicknacre Priory?
The priory experienced financial struggles and gradual decay. It was dissolved in 1507 and subsequently granted to the Hospital of St. Mary without Bishopsgate in London in 1509. After the suppression of the hospital, its possessions were granted to Henry Polsted in 1540.
Are there any remains of Bicknacre Priory?
Very few physical remains of Bicknacre Priory exist today. The most notable surviving feature is a single arch, believed to be the west side of the church crossing, dating from approximately 1250. The area is now known as Priory Fields.
Related Monasteries
Aldgate Priory
Holy Trinity Priory, also known as Christchurch Aldgate, was an Augustinian priory founded around 1108 by Queen Matilda of Scotland near Aldgate in London. It held significant ties to English royalty, with several queens maintaining a close relationship with the priory and some royal children buried there. The priory was a center of learning in the 12th century and played a role in civic life, with its prior serving as an Alderman of London. It was dissolved in 1532 and its buildings have since been largely lost, with only remnants surviving.
Ankerwycke Priory
Ankerwycke Priory was a small and relatively poor Benedictine nunnery established around 1160 in Buckinghamshire, England. Dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, it held lands across several counties. Dissolved in 1536, its revenues were transferred to Bisham Abbey, and the priory site later saw the construction of a manor house. Today, only a small section of ruins remains, situated in Berkshire.
Arthington Priory
Arthington Priory was an English monastery for nuns of the Cluniac congregation, located in Arthington, West Yorkshire, and founded in the mid-12th century. It was one of only two Cluniac nunneries in England. The priory experienced periods of disciplinary issues among its nuns and prioresses, as documented by Archbishop William Greenfield's visits and injunctions. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, the priory was surrendered in 1540, and its lands were eventually granted to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Today, little remains of the original priory structures, with a residence known as Arthington Hall built on the site around 1585, and the priory church potentially occupied by a farmhouse named The Nunnery.