Leominster Abbey

Priory Church, Leominster

Leominster abbey was an Anglo-Saxon monastery established at Leominster in the county of Hereford, England. The name of the town refers to its minster, a settlement of clergy living a communal life.

The monastery, perhaps founded in the seventh century, was originally a male house. After being destroyed by Danes, it was rebuilt as a Benedictine abbey for nuns (see Leominster nunnery). In 1046 the abbess, Eadgifu, was abducted by Sweyn Godwinson.[1] Eadgifu is only abbess known by name.[1] The convent was probably dissolved or suppressed not long after this incident.

Leominster priory

Ruins of Reading Abbey, which founded a priory at Leominster in the 12th century.

In the 12th century Henry I incorporated land at Leominster into the foundation of Reading Abbey.[2] Reading Abbey in turn founded a Benedictine priory in Leominster of which the Priory Church survives at grid reference SO49855927.[3] Whether the priory was built on the site of the original Anglo-Saxon monastery is not clear. However, archaeological evidence of Saxon activity has been uncovered at the priory.

References

  1. 1 2 Knowles, David; Brooke C. N. L.; and London, Vera C. M. The Heads of Religious Houses: England and Wales 940-1216 Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1972 ISBN 0-521-08367-2 p. 214
  2. ↑ Catholic Encyclopedia Online accessed December 12, 2007
  3. ↑ "Leominster Priory". Herefordshire Through Time. Herefordshire Council. Retrieved 2010-09-25.

Further reading

External links

Coordinates: 52°13′44″N 2°44′06″W / 52.229°N 2.735°W / 52.229; -2.735


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