Hitchin Whitefriars
Hitchin Priory, originally a Carmelite friary founded in 1317, was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The current hotel building, constructed around 1700, incorporates parts of the original structure and is recognized as a Grade I listed building. Despite significant rebuilding in the late 18th century, remnants of the medieval priory are integrated into the modern complex.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1317 by Edward II for the Carmelite Friars.
- ›Closed during the reign of Henry VIII as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- ›The current building dates from approximately 1700 and incorporates parts of the original priory.
- ›Designated a Grade I listed building on the Register of Historic England since 1951.
- ›The site now operates as a 52-bedroom hotel.
Palladian, Medieval
- Incorporates Parts of A Medieval Carmelite Friary
- Grade I Listed Building
- Set In 19 Acres of Parkland
Hitchin Priory
Edward Ii, John De Cobham, Henry Viii, John Butler, Sir William Coffyn, Henry Crowche, Thomas Parrys, Sir Edward Watson, Henry Herdson, Edward Pulter, Ralph Radcliffe, Hubert Delmé-Radcliffe, Francis Augustus Delmé-Radcliffe, John Radcliffe
Foundation of Carmelite Friary, Gift From Henry Viii, Prior John Butler Takes Oath of Supremacy, Surrender To King's Commissioners, Dissolution of the Monasteries, Survey of Priory and Estate, Sale of Estate To Property Speculators, Rebuilding of the House
About Hitchin Whitefriars
Hitchin Whitefriars, also known as Hitchin Priory, was originally established as a Carmelite friary in 1317. Founded by royal grant from Edward II, the friary was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and received additional lands from John de Cobham. The monastic community at Hitchin existed until its closure during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, with its surrender documented in 1538 and dissolution finalized in 1539.
Following the dissolution, the priory site was largely dismantled, with materials repurposed for local construction. A survey in 1546 detailed the remaining structures, noting their poor condition except for the mansion house. The estate passed through various private owners over centuries, including the Radcliffe family who held it from 1553 to 1964. The present-day building was constructed around 1700, with significant rebuilding in 1770–1771 by John Radcliffe. This structure incorporates parts of the original medieval priory, particularly in its cloister ranges, and is recognized as a Grade I listed building.
Today, Hitchin Priory operates as a hotel situated on 19 acres of parkland. While the monastic community is long gone, the site preserves historical architectural elements, blending medieval remnants with later Georgian and Palladian designs. Its status as a listed building underscores its historical and architectural significance within Hitchin.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hitchin Whitefriars founded?
Hitchin Whitefriars, originally a Carmelite friary, was founded in 1317. Edward II granted the friars a messuage in Hitchin for their habitation and church.
What happened to the friary after its closure?
The friary was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII, with its surrender recorded in 1538. The buildings were subsequently stripped of materials and the site became a quarry.
What is on the site of Hitchin Whitefriars today?
Today, the site of Hitchin Whitefriars is occupied by Hitchin Priory, a hotel built around 1700. This modern building incorporates parts of the original friary structure.
Is Hitchin Priory a listed building?
Yes, Hitchin Priory, including the hotel, Garden Bridge, Coach House, and stables, has been a Grade I listed building on the Register of Historic England since 1951.
What architectural styles are present at Hitchin Priory?
The current structure was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century in a Palladian design. However, remnants of the original priory, primarily from the 15th century, are incorporated, featuring blocked arches of the cloister arcade in the north and west wings.
Related Monasteries
Hitchin Priory
Hitchin Priory, a Carmelite friary founded in 1317, was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII. While the original priory was largely dismantled and its site used as a quarry, parts of it were incorporated into the current hotel building, which was constructed around 1700 and later rebuilt in 1770-71. The complex has been a Grade I listed building since 1951 and now operates as a hotel.
Burnham Norton Friary
Burnham Norton Friary was a Carmelite friary located near Burnham Market in Norfolk, England. Founded in 1241 by Sir William Calthorp and Sir Ralph Hemenhale, it was the first Carmelite monastery established after the order's expulsion from Mount Carmel. The friary was dissolved in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and is now a ruin, though significant parts of its structure, including the gatehouse and precinct wall, still stand.
Gloucester Whitefriars
Gloucester Whitefriars, also referred to as the White Friars or The College of Carmelites, was a Carmelite friary in Gloucester, England. Founded around 1268 or 1269, it experienced a decline by the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, with much of its structure later destroyed and materials repurposed for military use. Today, no remains of the friary survive.