Davington Priory
Christian·England·Partially extant, with parts converted to private residence·12th century
Davington Priory was originally established as a Benedictine nunnery in 1153 on the north Kent coast of England. It survived the dissolution of the monasteries due to a natural decline, with its last nun dying in 1535. The priory's nave still functions as a parish church, while other structures have been adapted into residences, notably being owned by Bob Geldof since the 1980s.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a Benedictine nunnery in 1153.
- ›Survived the dissolution of monasteries due to natural decline.
- ›The nave of its Norman church remains as a parish church dedicated to St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence.
- ›Parts of the cloister and domestic quarters were converted into a house.
- ›Owned by musician Bob Geldof since the 1980s.
Norman
Norman Church Nave, Converted Domestic Quarters
Sir Thomas Cheney, Christopher Gibbs, David Litvinoff, Bob Geldof
- Founded As A Benedictine Nunnery
- Avoided Dissolution Through Natural Decline
- Last Nun Died
- Sold To Sir Thomas Cheney
- Choir Demolished
- One Tower Gone
- Converted Into A House
- Bought By the Church of England
- Sold As Private Residence To Christopher Gibbs
- David Litvinoff Lived At the Priory
- Sold To Bob Geldof
About Davington Priory
Davington Priory was an important Benedictine nunnery situated on Davington Hill, now part of Faversham on England's north Kent coast. Founded in 1153, it played a significant role in the region's religious landscape for centuries.
History and Survival
The priory's history is marked by its unique survival through the tumultuous period of the dissolution of the monasteries. Rather than being dissolved by force, Davington Priory experienced a natural decline, with the last nun dying in 1535. Following this, the priory passed to the Crown and was subsequently sold to Sir Thomas Cheney, a figure associated with Anne Boleyn. The nave of the original Norman church, dedicated to St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence, has endured and continues to function as a parish church, though it was privately owned until 1931. The choir of the church was demolished by 1580 to supply building materials, and one of its twin towers had disappeared by 1692, indicating the gradual dismantling of the priory structures.
Modern History and Ownership
In more recent times, parts of the cloister and the nuns' domestic quarters were repurposed into a dwelling. This house was acquired by the Church of England in 1931 and later sold as a private residence to antiques dealer Christopher Gibbs in 1972. During the 1970s, David Litvinoff resided at Davington Priory. The property eventually came into the possession of musician Bob Geldof, who purchased it from Gibbs in the 1980s. Geldof has resided there for several decades, becoming a familiar presence in the local community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Davington Priory founded?
Davington Priory was founded as a Benedictine nunnery in 1153. Its establishment marked the beginning of its long history on the north Kent coast.
How did Davington Priory avoid the dissolution of the monasteries?
The priory managed to avoid the violence of the dissolution of the monasteries through a natural decline. The last nun died in 1535, after which the priory passed to the Crown.
What remains of the original priory today?
The nave of the Norman church, dedicated to St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence, continues to serve as a parish church. Parts of the cloister and nuns' domestic quarters were converted into a house.
Who owns Davington Priory now?
Davington Priory is currently owned by musician Bob Geldof, who purchased it in the 1980s and has lived there for many years.
Is the priory open to the public?
While the nave of the church is accessible as a parish church, the priory itself has been converted into private residences. Public access to the entire priory complex is not generally available.
Related Monasteries
Aldeby Priory
Aldeby Priory was a 12th-century Benedictine monastic house located in Aldeby, Norfolk, England. Initially established as a priory cell of Norwich Cathedral, it was founded by Agnes de Beaupré and her husband Hubert de Rye. The priory was dedicated to St. Mary and received confirmation of grants from Henry I, including the church and manor of Aldeby. Despite its modest size, it played a role in local administration and faced financial and structural issues in its later years before its dissolution.
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.
Anglesey Priory
Anglesey Abbey is a National Trust property in Lode, England, that evolved from an Augustinian priory founded in the early 12th century. After its dissolution in 1536, the site was transformed into a Jacobean-style house, and later extensively developed by Lord Fairhaven into a country house with significant art collections and landscaped gardens. The property now features a house, gardens, and a working mill, preserving the legacy of its monastic past and its later private ownership.