Witham Charterhouse
Witham Charterhouse, established in 1178/79, was the first Carthusian monastery in England. Founded by Henry II as penance for the murder of Thomas Becket, it played a significant role in the early English Carthusian order before its suppression in 1539. Today, parts of the site, including the former lay brothers' church, remain.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1178/79, making it the earliest Carthusian house in England.
- ›Established by King Henry II in his Royal Forest of Selwood.
- ›Its founding was an act of penance for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket.
- ›Led by a founding party including a monk named Narbert from the Grande Chartreuse.
- ›Suppressed in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- ›The former lay brothers' church now serves as the parish church of Witham Friary.
Original Monastic Fishponds, Former Lay Brothers' Church
Witham Priory
Hugh of Avalon
- Suppression During the Dissolution of the Monasteries
About Witham Charterhouse
Witham Charterhouse, also referred to as Witham Priory, stands as a historically significant site in Witham Friary, Somerset. Established in 1178 or 1179, it holds the distinction of being the very first Carthusian monastery founded in England. Its genesis is deeply intertwined with royal penance, as it was founded by King Henry II as an act of atonement for his role in the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket of Canterbury.
History and Establishment
The charterhouse was established within Henry II's Royal Forest of Selwood. The founding party was led by a monk named Narbert, who came from the renowned Grande Chartreuse, the mother house of the Carthusian order. A notable figure associated with Witham Charterhouse is Hugh of Avalon, who later became Saint Hugh, and served as its prior starting in 1180. The monastic community flourished for several centuries until its suppression on March 15, 1539, as part of the broader Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII.
Archaeological Remains and Legacy
Today, Witham Charterhouse is primarily an archaeological site. Excavations have revealed foundations of buttressed walls and building rubble, including remnants of glazed roof and floor tiles. Subsequent work uncovered further building structures, interpreted as a chapter house and possibly a church. The site is characterized by extensive rectilinear earthworks, though a railway line now cuts through it. Some worked stone from the original buildings can still be observed in structures within the village of Witham Friary. Significantly, the original monastic fishponds to the east of the site have been preserved. The former lay brothers' church has been adapted and continues to serve the local community as the parish church of Witham Friary.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Witham Charterhouse founded?
Witham Charterhouse was founded in the years 1178 or 1179. This made it the very first Carthusian monastery established in England.
Who founded Witham Charterhouse and why?
King Henry II founded Witham Charterhouse. It was established as part of his penance for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket of Canterbury.
What happened to Witham Charterhouse?
Witham Charterhouse was suppressed on March 15, 1539, as part of the wider Dissolution of the Monasteries. Its monastic community ceased to exist at that time.
What remains of Witham Charterhouse today?
The site is marked by extensive rectilinear earthworks, though it is now bisected by a railway line. Some worked stone is visible in local buildings, and the original monastic fishponds still survive to the east of the site. The former lay brothers' church is now the parish church.
Is Witham Charterhouse still an active monastery?
No, Witham Charterhouse was suppressed in 1539 and is no longer an active monastic community. Its buildings and lands have been repurposed.
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