More information : (Area Centred SP 15246335). Soon after the conquest the Church of Wootton and an endowment of land were given to the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter De Castellion de Couches, which established a small alien Priory here. A prior and one monk constituted its community. In 1398 Richard II gave the priory to the Carthusians at Coventry, but the grant was reversed soon after by Henry IV and the monks restablished. it was bestowed with all its possessions on 12th December 1443 upon the Provost and Scholars of King's College, Cambridge, and on 30th Nov., 1447 the Abbey of Couches released all title to the Priory to the College, in whose hands the manor still remains. No trace of the priory buildings remains but they stood between the churchyard and the ancient fish-pool which lies near the Henley Road.
Listed and also says "In earlier days there were possibly 3 to 4 monks here with the prior; but there appear to have been only two in 1281 and 1374". (1-2)
The indicated area is under pasture which, in places, shows much disturbance, probably the results of robbery; there are no visual remains of the Priory. The 'ancient fishpool' has been filled and is also pasture. (3)
Scheduled under 'Ecclesiastical Buildings' as 'Earthworks W of St Peters Church'. (4)
Summary report of excavations within the churchyard of the adjacent church of St. Peter SP 16 SE 8. Buildings of the priory complex were discovered. (5)
Full excavation report of the above investigations. (6)
As well as the above excavations noted, are the investigations by G. S. Taylor. (7)
Listed. (8)
A topographical appraisal of the foundation of the priory, 1080-1250. (9) |