Summary : Long Bennington, dependent on the Cistercian abbey of Savigny, was founded probably about the end of the 12th century. It was the wealthiest alien cell in the County. The cell was granted, in 1421, and confirmed, in 1462, to the Carthusian priory of Mount Grace in Yorkshire. Although called an alien priory it appears to have been no more than a grange with a monk-warden in charge. |
More information : [SK 84354383] Cistercian Grange [GT] (Site of) (1)
Cistercian Priory [GT] (Site of) Moat [GT] (2)
Long Bennington, dependent on the Cistercian abbey of Savigny, was founded probably about the end of the 12th century. It was the wealthiest alien cell in the County. The priory was granted, in 1421, and confirmed, in 1462, to the Carthusian priory of Mount Grace in Yorkshire. Although called an alien priory it appears to have been no more than a grange with a monk-warden in charge. (3-5)
A dwelling near the church called Priory House [? Priory Farm on OS 25"] is supposed to be near the site of the priory, (6) and in an outbuilding here there is a 13th century doorway. (7)
This site seems to have been bounded on the east by the Ease Drain against which two fish poinds are still extant in the vicarage garden (SK 84354382). Another, recently filled in, was at SK 84434405. Several of the farm buildings, (centred at SK 843439) retain fragments of early stone walling (which appears to be re-used material) but the 13th c. arch has been demolished. 1/2500 survey revised. (8) |