Esholt Priory
Christian·England·Ruins (priory), Historic building (hall)·12th century
Esholt Priory was a Cistercian nunnery founded in the 12th century and dedicated to St Mary and St Leonard. It was suppressed in 1540 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The site is now occupied by Esholt Hall, a Grade II* listed building constructed in the Queen Anne style.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 12th century.
- ›Belonged to the Cistercian order.
- ›Dedicated to St Mary and St Leonard.
- ›Suppressed in 1540 as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- ›The site is now home to Esholt Hall.
- ›Experienced a scandal in 1303 involving a pregnant nun.
Queen Anne Style
Esholt Hall
Simon Warde, Juliana De La Wodehall
- Suppression During the Dissolution of the Monasteries
- Scandal Involving A Pregnant Nun
About Esholt Priory
Esholt Priory was a medieval Cistercian religious house located in West Yorkshire, England. Founded in the twelfth century, the nunnery was dedicated to St Mary and St Leonard. Its history includes a notable scandal in 1303 when the Prioress, Juliana De La Wodehall, sought to resign due to a pregnant nun within the community, a resignation the bishop did not accept.
The priory met its end in 1540 with its suppression under the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Following its dissolution, the estate was sold. The site of Esholt Priory is now occupied by Esholt Hall, a Grade II* listed building constructed in the Queen Anne style between 1706 and 1707 by Sir Walter Calverley, 1st Baronet, on the foundations of the former nunnery.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Esholt Priory founded?
Esholt Priory was founded in the twelfth century. The estate was granted to the nuns by Simon Warde, with this act confirmed by his son in 1172 and again in 1185.
What religious order did Esholt Priory belong to?
Esholt Priory was a Cistercian nunnery. The Cistercian order is a branch of the Benedictine monastic tradition.
What happened to Esholt Priory?
Esholt Priory was suppressed in 1540 under the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The estate was subsequently sold.
What is on the site of Esholt Priory today?
Today, Esholt Hall stands on the site of Esholt Priory. This present-day hall is a Grade II* listed building and was constructed in the Queen Anne style.
Were there any notable incidents at Esholt Priory?
Yes, in 1303, the Prioress, Juliana De La Wodehall, attempted to resign due to a scandal involving a pregnant nun. However, the bishop refused her resignation.
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