More information : [ST 5203 2255] FRIARY [GT]. (1)
The Dominicans, Friars Preachers or Black Friars settled in Ilchester sometime between 1221 and 1260. By 1260 they had obtained a site within the walls near the W. gate of the town and on the W. side of the public road and had commenced building their convent. After 1285, extensions were made to the S.E. The priory was dissolved in 1538 and the buildings used for other purposes, including a relief prison in the 17th c.
Substantial remains still existed in 1791 and the final demolition took place between that date and 1837. (2).
Dominican Friary, Ilchester: Founded before 1261. Dissolved 1538. [Photo plan: See AO/64/303/7] (3)
[ST 52102259] Exact position of E. Gate. (4)
There is nothing on the ground to indicate the site of the Friary, but Stukeley's map of 1723 (Authy.2) shows it to have been centred at ST 5204 2256. (5) |