Blackmoor Priory Hermitage
Blackmoor Priory Hermitage was an Augustinian monastic site located in the village of Hermitage, Dorset, England. The hermitage lent its name to the village, and its monks abandoned the site during the 14th or 15th century. The Lady's Well, a remnant of their occupation, still exists near the village.
Key Facts
- ›Founded by Augustinian monks.
- ›The hermitage's name is the origin of the village name, Hermitage.
- ›The monastic site was abandoned in the 14th or 15th century.
- ›The Lady's Well, used by the monks, remains on the edge of woodland.
- ›Located in the Blackmore Vale, Dorset, England.

Lady's Well
Blackmoor Priory Hermitage
- Abandonment of the Site In the 14th Or 15th Century.
About Blackmoor Priory Hermitage
Blackmoor Priory Hermitage was an Augustinian monastic establishment that once stood in what is now the village of Hermitage, Dorset, England. The hermitage is historically significant as it lent its name to the village itself, highlighting its foundational role in the local area. The monks who resided here were part of the Augustinian order, known for their adherence to the Rule of Saint Augustine.
History and Significance
The exact founding date of Blackmoor Priory Hermitage is not preserved in historical records. However, it is known that the Augustinian monks who occupied the site eventually abandoned it. This abandonment occurred during the 14th or 15th century, a period that saw significant changes in monastic life across England, often influenced by factors such as the Black Death and shifting economic conditions. Despite the monastic community's departure, a tangible remnant of their presence endures: the Lady's Well. This well, which the monks utilized, can still be found on the edge of woodland a short distance from the modern village of Hermitage, serving as a quiet testament to the site's ecclesiastical past.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What religious order founded Blackmoor Priory Hermitage?
Blackmoor Priory Hermitage was founded by Augustinian monks. This order is known for its blend of monastic and regular clerical life.
When was Blackmoor Priory Hermitage abandoned?
The Augustinian monks abandoned the site of Blackmoor Priory Hermitage sometime in the 14th or 15th century. The exact year of abandonment is not precisely recorded.
What remains of Blackmoor Priory Hermitage today?
The most notable remaining feature is the Lady's Well, which the monks used. It is situated on the edge of woodland not far from the village of Hermitage.
Where is Blackmoor Priory Hermitage located?
Blackmoor Priory Hermitage was situated in the village of Hermitage in Dorset, southern England. It was located in the Blackmore Vale, south of the town of Sherborne.
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