Frithelstock Priory
Frithelstock Priory was founded around 1220 by Sir Robert de Beauchamp for Augustinian Canons Regular, with Bishop Walter de Stapledon later contributing to its endowments. The priory, dedicated to St. Gregory, was dissolved in 1536, and only ruins of the original structure remain. Its lands later passed through several prominent families, including the Earls of Orford and the Barons Clinton.
Key Facts
- ›Founded circa 1220 by Sir Robert de Beauchamp.
- ›Established for Augustinian Canons Regular.
- ›Dissolved in 1536 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- ›Only ruins of the priory survive today.
- ›Its lands were later owned by the Walpole family and subsequently the Barons Clinton.
- Ruins of the Priory Chapel With Distinctive Rounded Western Windows.
Frelelestoch
Sir Robert De Beauchamp, Walter De Stapledon, Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, Robert Walpole, 2nd Earl of Orford, Margaret Rolle, Rev. John Swete
Founded Circa 1220., Dissolved In 1536.
About Frithelstock Priory
Frithelstock Priory was a monastic institution founded in approximately 1220 in Frithelstock, Devon, England. It was established by Sir Robert de Beauchamp, who intended it as an indulgence to ensure intercessions for the repose of his soul. The priory was dedicated to St. Gregory and was home to Augustinian Canons Regular. Walter de Stapledon, the Bishop of Exeter, played a significant role as a co-founder by increasing the priory's endowments.
History and Dissolution
The Domesday Book of 1086 records the manor of Frelelestoch, which later became the site of the priory. Sir Roger de Beauchamp, father of the founder, had held the manor before his son's endowment of the Augustinian priory. Frithelstock Priory operated for over three centuries before its dissolution in 1536 as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Upon dissolution, the prior relinquished possession of the priory and its lands. The site and its demesne lands, valued at approximately £92 and estimated to contain a thousand acres, were subsequently granted to Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle.
Later Ownership and Legacy
After the dissolution, the lands of Frithelstock Priory passed through several notable owners. They were later owned by Robert Walpole, 2nd Earl of Orford, son of the first Prime Minister. His wife, Margaret Rolle, inherited the lands, which then descended to her heirs, the Barons Clinton. An engraving from 1734 by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck depicts a south-east view of the priory and notes its dedication and the extent of its lands. In 1792, the ruins were visited by the topographer Rev. John Swete, who described them in his journal and made a watercolour sketch, noting the picturesque quality of the remains and the unique rounded western windows of the chapel.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Frithelstock Priory founded?
Frithelstock Priory was founded in about 1220. It was established by Sir Robert de Beauchamp.
Who founded Frithelstock Priory?
The priory was founded by Sir Robert de Beauchamp. Walter de Stapledon, Bishop of Exeter, is considered a co-founder for increasing the priory's endowments.
What religious order was Frithelstock Priory part of?
Frithelstock Priory was established for Augustinian Canons Regular. These canons followed the Rule of St. Augustine.
What happened to Frithelstock Priory?
Frithelstock Priory was dissolved in 1536 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, only ruins remain of the priory.
What is the current status of Frithelstock Priory?
The priory was dissolved in 1536, and only ruins remain today. It is not an active monastic community.
Who owned Frithelstock Priory after its dissolution?
After the dissolution, the priory lands were granted to Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle. Later owners included Robert Walpole, 2nd Earl of Orford, and subsequently the Barons Clinton.
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