| Summary : Site of Benedictine Priory of St Mary founded between 1077-93, dissolved in 1538. Little is known of the priory. Excavations in the 19th and late 20th centuries revealed the church to have been a simple cruciform plan. There has been some debate as to whether the Mediaeval Church of St John was a separate entity or whether it was a parochial altar in St Mary's Church. The size of the excavated church suggests that St Johns was a parochial altar. This is borne out by the total demolition to ground level of the priory church soon after 1540, and the construction, in the former nave, of the private chapel of St John built by the landowner, Sir Thomas Wiley. This in turn was demolished on the orders of the Bishop of Lincoln in 1680. Late Saxon pottey was found during excavations. |
More information : [TL 3282 1298] Site of [T.I.] St. Mary's Priory [G.T.] (1)
Benedictine Priory at Hertford founded before 1093 and dissolved in 1538. (2)
The Benedictine priory of St. Mary, was built about the end of the 11th century by Ralph de Limesi. It is said to have been founded in the time of Abbot Paul (1077-93) (a) The charter was confirmed between 1108 and 1123 (b) by Henry I. A list of priors exists from Ralph, prior at the foundation, and Nigel c.1200, to Thomas Hampton in 1539. (3)
"A terrier of the manor of Hertford Priory of about the date 1578 speaks of 'the housinge dove howse and barnes' which 'were built within this thre years'". (4)
"Of the priory itself, situated in the east part of the town of Hertford, no remains are now visible. A modern house has been erected on its site." (5)
Hertford Priory. "Some twenty years ago the foundations were discovered, and a few fragments of carved stone and encaustic tiles were found, and are preserved in the Hertford Museum." (6)
This site is occupied by sheds of Jewsons Ltd. (timber merchants). (7)
Excavations in Railway Street between 1988-1990 revealed the nave of the priory and parish church. It was constructed in the 12th century, extended in the 15th century, and demolished during the Dissolution. Very limited evidence was recovered for buildings associated with the priory. A large number of burials were recovered from the church and surrounding graveyard. (8)
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