Blackfriars, Cambridge
Dominican (Catholic)·England·active·13th century
Blackfriars, Cambridge, is a priory of the Dominican Order (Order of Preachers) in England, with a history spanning several centuries. Initially established in 1238, it was dissolved in 1538 during the English Reformation, only to be re-established in 1938. It currently serves as a Dominican priory and, since 2000, functions as the novitiate house for the English Province.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1238 by the Dominican Order.
- ›Dissolved in 1538 as part of the English Reformation.
- ›Re-established in 1938.
- ›Became the novitiate house for the English Province of the Order of Preachers in 2000.
- ›The medieval priory's site was later occupied by Emmanuel College, which incorporated some of its 14th-century stonework.
- Incorporation of 14th-Century Stonework From the Original Friary Into Emmanuel College.
Gregory Dodds, John Scory, Edward Bullough, Arthur Stanley Ramsey
Founded In 1238, Dissolved In 1538, Re-Established In 1938, Became Novitiate House In 2000
About Blackfriars, Cambridge
Blackfriars, Cambridge, is a significant priory of the Dominican Order, also known as the Order of Preachers, located in Cambridgeshire, England. Its history is marked by periods of establishment, dissolution, and revival, reflecting broader historical and religious shifts in England.
Founding and Medieval Period
The Dominican friars first established their priory on this site before 1238. At its height before the dissolution, the priory housed a prior and fifteen other friars. The dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII led to the priory's closure in 1538. Following its dissolution, the site was eventually used for the founding of Emmanuel College in 1584. Notably, elements of the medieval priory, specifically 14th-century stonework, were incorporated into the college's Front Court, in the North Range and Hall, preserving a physical link to its Dominican past.
Re-establishment and Modern Operation
After centuries of absence, Blackfriars, Cambridge was re-established in 1938. The current priory is situated at Buckingham Road, a new location in Cambridge. The process of re-establishment involved acquiring existing properties, with two houses linked by a new wing designed by David Roberts in 1961–1962. The initial offering for the re-establishment came from the widow of Professor Edward Bullough, and a second property, Howfield, was purchased in 1955. In 2000, Blackfriars took on an additional important role, becoming the novitiate house for the English Province of the Order of Preachers, continuing its active service to the Dominican Order and its mission of preaching and education.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Blackfriars, Cambridge first established?
The priory of Blackfriars, Cambridge was first established in 1238. It was founded by the Dominican Order.
What led to the closure of the original Blackfriars priory?
The original Blackfriars priory was dissolved in 1538. This dissolution was part of the broader English Reformation under King Henry VIII.
When was Blackfriars, Cambridge re-established?
Blackfriars, Cambridge was re-established in 1938. The Dominican Order returned to the city after nearly 400 years.
What is the current role of Blackfriars, Cambridge?
Currently, Blackfriars operates as a Dominican priory. Since 2000, it also serves as the novitiate house for the English Province of the Order of Preachers.
Is there any physical evidence of the medieval priory remaining?
Yes, Emmanuel College, which was founded on the site of the medieval friary in 1584, incorporates 14th-century stonework from the original priory. This can be seen in the North Range and Hall of the college's Front Court.
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Burnham Abbey
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Cambridge Blackfriars
Cambridge Blackfriars is a Dominican priory in Cambridgeshire, England, with a history spanning centuries. Originally established in 1238, it was dissolved in 1538 during the Reformation and subsequently re-established in 1938. The modern priory continues to serve as a center for Dominican life and, since 2000, functions as the novitiate house for the English Province of the Order of Preachers.