Kilburn Priory
Kilburn Priory was a small Augustinian canoness monastic community established in the early 12th century near London. Originally founded on the site of a hermitage, it became subordinate to Westminster Abbey before adopting the Augustinian rule. The priory played a role in the naming of the Kilburn area and its streets, but was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537.
Key Facts
- ›Established around 1130-1134.
- ›Originally a hermitage site gifted to Westminster Abbey.
- ›Later described as an order of Augustinian canonesses by 1377.
- ›Gave its name to the Kilburn area and several local streets.
- ›Dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537.
Holy Well Or Medicinal Spring
Cuneburna, Keneburna, Keeleburne, Coldburne, Caleburn
Godwyn, Queen Matilda of Scotland, Emma, Gunilda, Cristina
Dissolution By Henry Viii In 1537
About Kilburn Priory
Kilburn Priory was a small monastic community of nuns that existed in what is now North West London. Established around 1130–1134, its site was initially a hermitage before being granted to the conventual church of St. Peter, Westminster. The priory's location, at the intersection of Watling Street and a stream known by various names including Cuneburna and Keneburna, led to it giving its name to the modern area of Kilburn and several adjacent streets, such as Priory Road and Abbey Road.
Religious Affiliation and Evolution
The priory was founded with the consent of Gilbert Universalis, the bishop of London. Although it began as a community subordinate to Westminster Abbey, which followed the Benedictine rule, by 1377, historical records describe it as an order of Augustinian canonesses. Some historical speculation suggested that the Ancrene Riwle, a set of monastic rules, might have been written for the first nuns of Kilburn, but this is now considered unlikely by scholars.
Founding and Dissolution
Agnes Strickland's historical accounts propose that the priory was established in 1128 specifically for three ladies-in-waiting of Queen Matilda of Scotland, consort of Henry I: Emma, Gunilda, and Cristina. After the queen's death in 1118, these women reportedly retired to the hermitage at Kilburn, drawn by its holy well. The site was then transformed into a priory for their reception. Kilburn Priory ultimately met its end during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. It was dissolved in 1537, and its lands were subsequently transferred to the Knights of St. John before being repossessed by the Crown in 1540.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kilburn Priory founded?
Kilburn Priory was established around the years 1130 to 1134. Some accounts suggest an earlier founding date of 1128, linked to ladies-in-waiting of Queen Matilda of Scotland.
What religious order was associated with Kilburn Priory?
Initially, the priory was subordinate to Westminster Abbey, whose monks followed the Benedictine rule. However, by 1377, it was described as an order of Augustinian canonesses.
What happened to Kilburn Priory?
Kilburn Priory was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1537. Its site was then exchanged with the Knights of St. John before being reclaimed by the crown in 1540.
Does Kilburn Priory still exist today?
No, Kilburn Priory was dissolved in the 16th century and no longer exists as an active monastic institution. Its former site is now part of modern-day London.
What is the significance of the name Kilburn?
The priory itself gave its name to the area now known as Kilburn. Several local streets, including Priory Road and Abbey Road, also derive their names from the priory.
Related Monasteries
Aldgate Priory
Holy Trinity Priory, also known as Christchurch Aldgate, was an Augustinian priory founded around 1108 by Queen Matilda of Scotland near Aldgate in London. It held significant ties to English royalty, with several queens maintaining a close relationship with the priory and some royal children buried there. The priory was a center of learning in the 12th century and played a role in civic life, with its prior serving as an Alderman of London. It was dissolved in 1532 and its buildings have since been largely lost, with only remnants surviving.
Ankerwycke Priory
Ankerwycke Priory was a small and relatively poor Benedictine nunnery established around 1160 in Buckinghamshire, England. Dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, it held lands across several counties. Dissolved in 1536, its revenues were transferred to Bisham Abbey, and the priory site later saw the construction of a manor house. Today, only a small section of ruins remains, situated in Berkshire.
Arthington Priory
Arthington Priory was an English monastery for nuns of the Cluniac congregation, located in Arthington, West Yorkshire, and founded in the mid-12th century. It was one of only two Cluniac nunneries in England. The priory experienced periods of disciplinary issues among its nuns and prioresses, as documented by Archbishop William Greenfield's visits and injunctions. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, the priory was surrendered in 1540, and its lands were eventually granted to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Today, little remains of the original priory structures, with a residence known as Arthington Hall built on the site around 1585, and the priory church potentially occupied by a farmhouse named The Nunnery.