Dueholm Priory
Dueholm Priory was a monastery of the Knights Hospitaller, established in 1370 by Bishop Sven of Børglum on the island of Mors in northern Denmark. Situated near Nykøbing, it was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene and played a significant role in managing local hospitals and overseeing the St. Jørgen's Leper House. Despite facing disputes with the town over hospital administration, the priory accumulated considerable property before its secularization following the Reformation in 1536, with parts of its buildings later converted into a manor house.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1370 by Bishop Sven of Børglum.
- ›Belonged to the Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaller.
- ›Dedicated to St. John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene.
- ›Managed the St. Jørgen's Leper House and had administrative disputes over the Holy Ghost Hospital.
- ›Secularized in 1536 after the Reformation and its buildings converted into a manor house.
- ›Parts of the original west range are preserved and house the Morslande Historiske Museum.
Gothic
- Preserved West Range Housing Morslande Historiske Museum
- Remnants of Walls and Foundations Incorporated Into Other Buildings
- Archive 'Letter Books' Providing Glimpses Into Medieval Life
Knights Hospitaller
Bishop Sven of BøRglum, Lady Mette Pedersdatter, Jakob Jensen
- Founded In 1370
- Disputes Over Holy Ghost Hospital Administration
- Secularization In 1536
- Conversion Into A Manor House
- Sack of Dueholm Castle In 1627
About Dueholm Priory
Dueholm Priory was a significant monastic institution belonging to the Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, located near Nykøbing on the island of Mors in northern Denmark. Founded in 1370 by Bishop Sven of Børglum, the priory was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene. Its establishment was facilitated by a land grant from Lady Mette Pedersdatter. At its zenith in the early 16th century, the priory housed twelve brother priests led by a prior and was involved in the operation of town hospitals, including the St. Jørgen's Leper House.
History and Administration
The priory's history was marked by its administrative duties and some notable disputes. It oversaw the St. Jørgen's Leper House, where knight-priests said mass daily. A prolonged conflict occurred with the town of Nykøbing over the Holy Ghost Hospital, which was established by citizens for the care of the poor and sick. The priory's claim to control over the hospital's income and rights led to interventions by Danish kings, with the priory eventually gaining spiritual control.
Dueholm Priory also operated a school and was known for its relatively transient population, with younger sons of noble families often residing there temporarily. Unlike many monastic houses, Dueholm's archives were partially preserved in two 'letter books,' offering valuable insights into medieval monastic life and community relations. These books survived the priory's closure but the main archive was lost in a fire during the sack of Dueholm Castle in 1627.
End of the Priory
The Reformation in Denmark brought about significant changes, and in 1536, Dueholm Priory and its properties reverted to the Danish crown. The priory was secularized, and the essential services provided by the hospitals continued. The priory was officially disbanded in 1556 upon the death of its last secular prior, Jakob Jensen. Subsequently, the priory buildings were repurposed as a manor house for the local magistrate. Today, the west range of the former priory has been restored and serves as the Morslande Historiske Museum, with other remnants of its structure incorporated into newer buildings.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dueholm Priory founded?
Dueholm Priory was founded in 1370. The land for the priory had been donated to the diocese by Lady Mette Pedersdatter prior to this date.
Which religious order established Dueholm Priory?
Dueholm Priory was established by the Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. Bishop Sven of Børglum founded the priory.
What was the significance of Dueholm Priory?
The priory was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and Mary Magdalene and was involved in running town hospitals, including the St. Jørgen's Leper House. It also had a school and accumulated significant property.
What happened to Dueholm Priory after the Reformation?
Following the Reformation in Denmark, Dueholm Priory and its properties reverted to the crown in 1536. The priory was secularized, and the work of the hospitals continued. The buildings were later converted into a manor house.
Are there any remaining structures of Dueholm Priory?
Yes, parts of the former priory's west range have been preserved and restored. Today, this section houses the Morslande Historiske Museum.
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