Summary : The largest Augustinain Friary in England, founded in 1253 by Humphrey Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex. It was enlarged by one of his descendants in 1354. In the Peasants Revolt, 13 flemiings sought reufge there, but were dragged outside and beheaded. It was dissolved in 1538. William Paulet, 1st Marques of Winchester, bought the site and built a house on the site of the cloisters. In 1550, the nave was given to Dutch refugees, and in 1600 the quire, transepts and tower were demolished. In 1862 the church burnt down but was rebuilt in the following year. It was bombed in 1940, and rebuilt in 1950-6 as the Dutch Church. Excavations have located the North wall and North aisle of the chancel, the South choir wall, and the East wall of the chapter house. |