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Anglesey Abbey (Priory)

History of Anglesey Abbey

Listed Building:

A priory of Augustinian canons was founded at Anglesey by Henry II. The remains of their early C13 building survive within the present fabric and earthworks in the garden mark the position of fishponds and drains. The priory was dissolved in 1536 and three years later was granted to John Hynde of Madingley (qv), upon whose death in 1550 it passed to Sir Francis Hynde. When Sir Francis died in 1595 the site came into the ownership of the Fowkes family, who converted what remained of the priory into a house. …..

Anglesea Abbey, R Farren 1881

Anglesea Abbey, R Farren 1881

Anglesey Abbey was visited around twenty times between 1328 and 1347 by Elizabeth de Burg, lady of Clare. As well as a patron of this small Augustinian Priory, it was a very convenient place for Elizabeth to conduct business for her foundation of Clare College in Cambridge, as well as to meet her friend Mary de Pol who often resided at Anstey, Fotheringhay, Denny and Waterbeach.

‘Abbey’ is a misnomer for the priory founded about 1212 by Richard de Clare. It is likely that there was already a ‘Hospital of the Blessed Mary of Anglesey’ here already. the creation of the priory buildings by 1236 was largely due to the generosity of Laurence of St Nichlas. He lived at Anglesey until his death in 1236. It was founded for 11 Canons and even by the Dissolution there were still 9. Most of their work was providing services in chantry chapels.

Anglesey Abbey, undercroft (Religious Houses of Cambs, 1988)

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