Site of medieval priory, Priory of St Mary, St James, and the Holy Cross, Nunnery Street (EHER 6816)
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Summary
Benedictine Nunnery founded before 1191 dissolved 1536. It stood about 750 yards west of the church and west of Nunnery Farm. The only remains are a fragment of masonry almost level with the ground.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TL 7782 3555 (171m by 228m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | CASTLE HEDINGHAM, BRAINTREE, ESSEX |
Type and Period
- NUNNERY (Late 12th century to Mid 16th century - 1191 AD (pre) to 1536 AD)
- INHUMATION (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
- BENEDICTINE NUNNERY (Late 12th century to Mid 16th century - 1191 AD (pre) to 1536 AD)
- WALL (Late 12th century to Mid 16th century - 1191 AD (pre) to 1536 AD)
- CEMETERY (Late 12th century to Mid 16th century - 1191 AD (pre) to 1536 AD)
- PRIORY (Late 12th century to Mid 16th century - 1191 AD (pre) to 1536 AD)
Description
Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import:
Site of Priory (Benedictine Nuns) (NR). <1>
The priory for Benedictine Nuns of St Mary, St James and the Holy Cross was founded by Aubrey de Vere (Earl of Oxford) and his wife, Lucy, being confirmed by their son Aubrey in 1191. The founder died in 194 and his wife, Lucy, became prioress. There were 5 nuns. In 1536 it was dissolved and given to John de Vere (Earl of Oxford). It stood about 750 yds west of the church and west of Nunnery Farm. All that now remains is a small fragment of masonry almost level with the ground at TL 7779 3555. <2> - <5>
The nunnery was founded before 1191 - its rights were confirmed then. <6>
1950. Field visit.
In 1950 OS reported the site as a small fragment of wall remains, 1m long, 0.5m wide, about 0.75m high. The feature could almost be described as 'site of'. <7>
1985. Field visit.
Site visit for new conservatory revealed no archaeological features but owner admitted finding skeletons 5-6 yrs previously during construction of a barn near the Nunnery Street frontage. <8> - <10>
Finds
Sources
- <1> SEX35033 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1950-1969. Ordnance Survey 1:10560 (6 inch) Post War National Grid. 1960.
- <2> SEX701 Monograph: RCHME. 1916. An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Essex, Volume I, North-West. p.51.
- <3> SEX1034 Monograph: Knowles, D. and Hadcock, R.N.. 1971. Medieval Religious Houses (second edition). p.257.
- <4> SEX13 Monograph: Victoria County History. 1907. Victoria County History, Essex, Vol II (VCH). p.122-123.
- <5> SEX76673 Map: Ordnance Survey. Large Scale / Small Scale Map Revisers Comment. SS Reviser R G Pearce 23.5.53.
- <6> SEX1784 Report: Eddy, M.R. with Petchey, M.R.. 1983. Historic Towns in Essex: An archaeological survey of Saxon and medieval towns, with guidance for their future planning. p.32.
- <7> SEX52658 RECORD SHEET/FORM: Ordnance Survey. 1950-1990. OS cards. TL73NE10, 1953.
- <8> SEX3240 DESC TEXT: Priddy, D.A.. 1985. SMR.
- <9> SEX22436 PERSONAL OBSERVATION: Owner. 1985. PERS COMM by Owner.
- <10> SEX59264 DESC TEXT: Medlycott, M.. 1999. Castle Hedingham Historic Town Assessment Report.
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Events (1)
Other References
- Old SMR Number: TL73-016
- NRHE identifier: 379086
- National Monuments Record: TL 73 NE 10