Crabhouse Priory
Crabhouse Priory was a medieval Augustinian nunnery located in Norfolk, England, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist. Founded in the late 12th century, it played a role in the region's religious life until its dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII. While most buildings were demolished, its historical significance is preserved through documents like the Register of Crabhouse.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the late 12th century as a House of Augustinian Nuns.
- ›Located in the Fens of Norfolk, England, in the parish of Wiggenhall.
- ›Dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII.
- ›The Register of Crabhouse, a significant monastic document, details its history.
- ›The monastic fishponds were situated south of the main complex.
Monastic Fishponds, Register of Crabhouse
- the Priory of St Mary the Virgin and St John the Evangelist
Catherine, Cecilia, Christian of Tilney, Agnes of Methelwold, Margaret Costayn of Lynn, Olive of Swaffham, Cecilia of Welle, Cecilia Beaupre, Matilda Talbot, Joan Wiggenhall, Margaret Dawbeny, Etheldreda Wulmer, Elizabeth Bredon, Margaret Studefeld
Dissolution During the Reign of Henry Viii
About Crabhouse Priory
Crabhouse Priory was a medieval monastic house situated in Norfolk, England, established as a House of Augustinian Nuns. Officially known as the Priory of St Mary the Virgin and St John the Evangelist, it was founded in the late 12th century within the Fens, in what is now the parish of Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen. Its historical trajectory concluded with its dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII, after which the majority of its monastic structures were partially demolished.
History and Significance
The priory's existence spanned several centuries, contributing to the religious landscape of Norfolk until its closure. The site where the main monastic complex stood is now occupied by a house known as Crabbs Abbey. Evidence of the priory's agricultural operations, such as its monastic fishponds, can still be identified to the south of the main house. The estate itself remained largely intact until the mid-twentieth century, underscoring its enduring presence even after its monastic function ceased.
A significant artifact shedding light on the priory's history is the Register of Crabhouse, also referred to as The Crabhouse Cartulary. This important document, held in the British Library, chronicles numerous key events from the priory's inception through to its dissolution. The Register provides invaluable insights into the administration, daily life, and historical occurrences associated with Crabhouse Priory, making it a crucial resource for understanding its past.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Crabhouse Priory founded?
Crabhouse Priory was founded in the late 12th century. It was established as a House of Augustinian Nuns.
What religious order was Crabhouse Priory a part of?
Crabhouse Priory was a House of Augustinian Nuns. This means it followed the Augustinian rule.
What happened to Crabhouse Priory?
The priory was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII. Following its dissolution, most of the monastic buildings were partially demolished.
Where was Crabhouse Priory located?
Crabhouse Priory was located in the south of the parish of Wiggenhall, in the Fens of Norfolk, England. The site is now on the west bank of the Great Ouse.
Is there any historical documentation from Crabhouse Priory?
Yes, one of the most interesting British monastic documents is the Register of Crabhouse, also known as The Crabhouse Cartulary. This document exists in the British Library and records many major events of the Priory from its founding through to its dissolution.
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.