Little Dunmow Priory
Christian·England·Ruins (original complex), Active (Lady Chapel as parish church)·12th century
Little Dunmow Priory was an Augustinian priory in Essex, England, founded in 1104 by Juga de Baynard as a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although never large or wealthy, it played a role in local history, including a notable incident of counterfeiting in 1369. The priory was dissolved in 1535 under the Suppression of Religious Houses Act.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1104 by Juga de Baynard as a church.
- ›Populated with Augustinian canons by Juga's son Geoffrey after her death.
- ›Confirmed in its possessions by Henry I and Matilda of Scotland.
- ›A canon was arrested for counterfeiting in 1369.
- ›Closed down in 1535 due to the Suppression of Religious Houses Act.
- ›The lady chapel remains in use as a parish church.
Lady Chapel
Juga De Baynard, Ralph Baynard, Geoffrey Baynard, William De Baynard, Henry I, Matilda of Scotland, Robert Fitz Richard, Maud, David I, Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, William De Stoke, Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex, Walter Fitz Robert, Robert Fitzwalter, Walter of Bibbesworth, Aveline Fitzjohn Fitzgeoffrey, Sir Walter De Burgh, John Fitzwalter, Walter Fitzwalter, Maid Marian
- Founded As A Church In 1104.
- Populated With Augustinian Canons.
- Possessions Confirmed By Henry I and Matilda of Scotland.
- Canon William De Stoke Arrested For Counterfeiting In 1369.
- Closed Down In 1535 Under the Suppression of Religious Houses Act.
About Little Dunmow Priory
Little Dunmow Priory was an Augustinian priory located in Little Dunmow, Essex, England. Founded in 1104 by Juga de Baynard as a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was later populated with Augustinian canons following her wishes and the advice of Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury. The priory's foundations were solidifed by grants and confirmations from royalty, including Henry I and his wife Matilda of Scotland, and further land endowments from Robert Fitz Richard and his wife Maud.
While much of its history was unremarkable, an incident in 1369 involved canon William de Stoke, who was arrested for counterfeiting royal currency. The priory was never a large or wealthy institution, with its assessment around the time of its dissolution being approximately £150. Consequently, it fell under the provisions of the Suppression of Religious Houses Act of 1535 and was closed down. Its lands were subsequently granted to Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex.
Archaeological excavations in 1913 and 1914 helped determine the priory's original plan. Although the main monastic complex has been destroyed, the lady chapel of Little Dunmow Priory continues to serve its community and remains in use today as the parish church. The priory church also served as a burial site for several notable figures, including Walter Fitz Robert and Robert Fitzwalter, and is the subject of local legend as a potential resting place for Maid Marian.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Little Dunmow Priory founded?
Little Dunmow Priory was founded in 1104. It began as a church established by Juga de Baynard and was later populated with Augustinian canons.
What religious order was Little Dunmow Priory a part of?
Little Dunmow Priory was an Augustinian priory. It was established with Augustinian canons after the death of its founder, Juga de Baynard.
What happened to Little Dunmow Priory?
The priory was dissolved in 1535 under the Suppression of Religious Houses Act and closed down. Its lands were subsequently granted to Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex.
Is any part of Little Dunmow Priory still standing?
Yes, although the monastic complex was destroyed, the lady chapel of the priory is still in use today as the parish church.
Who were some notable figures buried at Little Dunmow Priory?
Several notable figures were buried at the priory church, including Walter Fitz Robert, Robert Fitzwalter, and the poet Walter of Bibbesworth. Local legend also suggests it is the resting place of Maid Marian.
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