Site of 12th century hospital and priory, Berden Priory, Berden (EHER 3905)

The priory of St John the Evangelist for Augustinian Canons was probably founded by one of the Rochefords in the 12th century. It seems to have been a hospital at first; a fair was granted to the prior and convent in 1214. The church, cloister, refectory, dormitory, infirmary, hall and nearly all the other buildings were burnt in 1308. This seems to indicate quite a large community, but after the Black Death there were probably never more than four canons. The patronage was granted to Walden Abbey in 1343 and the priory was suppressed in 1536 when there was probably only one canon. There are no visible remains.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: The present house is on the site of the 12th century hospital or priory of St John the Evangelist, of the Augustinian canons. <1> Probably founded by one of the Rochefords in the 12th century. It seems to have been a hospital at first, a fair was granted to the priory and convent in 1214. The church, cloister, refectory, dormitory, infirmary, hall and nearly all the other buildings were burnt in 1272(?). These were all listed in the indulgence granted by the pope to those contributing to the rebuilding list. This seems to indicate quite a large community but after the Black Death there were probably no more than 4 canons. The patronage was granted to Walden Abbey in 1343 and the priory was suppressed in 1536. In 1537 it was leased to Parker. No monastic remains in situ but stone coffins have been found. <2> A scatter of medieval pottery was located east of the house. <3> Medieval stones with traces of moulding, probably medieval the threshold of the door of the present house is formed of two stone medieval coffin lids. Stone coffins dug up near the house are now preserved in Saffron Walden Museum. Site Assessment = Suggest visit to assess if remains likely to be preserved below ground, also if there is likely to be any threat and if any protection is needed. <4> - <6> There are no monastic remains in situ, but stone coffins dug up near the house are now in the Saffron Walden Museum. The present house is late 16th century date with 17th century additions. (The priory fishponds are possibly at TL 458304). <7> The priory of St John the Evangelist for Augustinian Canons was probably founded by one of the Rochefords in the 12th century. It seems to have been a hospital at first; a fair was granted to the prior and convent in 1214. The church, cloister, refectory, dormitory, infirmary, hall and nearly all the other buildings were burnt in 1308. This seems to indicate quite a large community, but after the Black Death there were probably never more than four canons. The patronage was granted to Walden Abbey in 1343 and the priory was suppressed in 1536 when there was probably only one canon. In 1537 it was leased to Parker. It is slightly unusual that the canons held land around the house pre-1211 but the parish church was not acquired until 1314. <8> <9> The priory had lands in surrounding parishes. The priory land was mapped by Ralph Treswell in 1597. Priory records are also discussed in this source. <10> A watching brief for footings for a new barn found no features or finds. The owner said that in the past all finds have been at the other side of the farm in what is now the garden. <11> Listed Grade II*. <12> 1975. Field survey. The present house Berden Priory (name confirmed) is as described by the RCHM, modernised and not outstanding. No monastic remains survive in situ, the house being completely post-reformation. The findspot of the stone coffins at TL 46283021 and a scatter of Md tile was located to the east of the house. Findspot surveyed at 1:2500. <13> Other refs: <14> - <17>