Derby — King's Mead Priory
Derby — King's Mead Priory was a Benedictine nunnery founded around 1160 west of Derby, dedicated to St Mary de Pratis. It served as an educational institution for daughters of noble families and, despite periods of financial difficulty and a significant debt, operated until its dissolution in 1536. Today, nothing remains of the priory buildings, with its location marked by Nun's Street in Derby.
Key Facts
- ›Founded circa 1160 by Abbot Albinus of Darley Abbey.
- ›The only Benedictine nunnery in Derbyshire.
- ›Dedicated to St Mary de Pratis (St Mary of the Meadows).
- ›Served as an educational establishment for daughters of noble families.
- ›Dissolved in 1536.
- ›No physical remains of the priory buildings exist today.
- Served As An Educational Institution For Noble Families
- Dedicated To St Mary De Pratis
St Mary De Pratis
Abbot Albinus, Walter Durdent, Emma, William De Bussel, King John, King Edward I, King Edward Iii, Henry Iv, Henry Vii, Isabel De Stanley, Geoffrey Blythe, Thomas Weell
- Founded C. 1160
- Intervention By Bishop Roger Weseham To Resolve Disputes With Darley Abbey C. 1250
- Granted Royal Protection By Edward Iii In 1327 Due To Poverty and Cattle Mortality
- Dissolved In 1536
About Derby — King's Mead Priory
Derby — King's Mead Priory was a significant Benedictine nunnery located west of Derby, in what is now known as Nun's Street. Founded around 1160 by Abbot Albinus of Darley Abbey, it held the unique distinction of being the only Benedictine nunnery in Derbyshire. The priory was dedicated to "St Mary de Pratis," meaning St Mary of the Meadows, and became a popular choice for daughters of Derbyshire's noble families seeking education.
History and Development
The priory's early history saw it placed under the care of Darley Abbey. However, disagreements over donations led to an intervention by Bishop Roger Weseham of Coventry and Lichfield around 1250, resulting in an agreement that established King's Mead Priory's independence from its parent house. Over the centuries, the priory received various donations and royal charters, including a yearly payment from Nottingham and grants of land. Despite these endowments, it frequently faced financial challenges, with records indicating ongoing debt. This poverty was sometimes cited as a reason for the priory's petitioning for royal protection.
Dissolution and Legacy
King's Mead Priory was dissolved in 1536 during the reign of King Henry VIII. Following its dissolution, the site was granted to Francis Talbot, 5th Earl of Shrewsbury, and subsequently passed through several private owners. In the 19th century, development work on the site led to the discovery of a Roman or Saxon bath complex, including a tessellated pavement and a stone coffin, though these artifacts were not preserved. Today, nothing remains of the priory buildings themselves; its historical presence is marked by the street names Nun's Street and Nun's Green in Derby.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Derby — King's Mead Priory founded?
Derby — King's Mead Priory was founded around the year 1160. It was established by Abbot Albinus of the nearby Darley Abbey.
What religious order was associated with King's Mead Priory?
King's Mead Priory was a Benedictine nunnery. It housed a convent of Benedictine Nuns and was the sole Benedictine nunnery within the county of Derbyshire.
What was the significance of King's Mead Priory?
The priory was significant as a center for the education of daughters from Derbyshire's noble families. It was also dedicated to St Mary de Pratis and played a role in the local religious and social landscape until its dissolution.
What remains of King's Mead Priory today?
Sadly, no physical remains of the priory buildings are extant today. The site has been heavily developed, and its location is now marked by Nun's Street in Derby.
What was the relationship between King's Mead Priory and Darley Abbey?
King's Mead Priory was initially founded under the care of Darley Abbey and was considered its parent house. However, disagreements arose, leading to an intervention by the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield around 1250, which ultimately freed King's Mead from Darley Abbey's control.
Did King's Mead Priory face financial difficulties?
Yes, the priory experienced periods of financial difficulty and debt. It petitioned the king for support due to poverty and the burden of entertaining visitors, and records indicate it remained in debt even after receiving royal protection.
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