Blackfriars at Canterbury was a Priory of the Dominican Order in the city of Canterbury , Kent , England . Founded in 1237, it was located on both sides of the Stour River in the west of the city, next to the place where the Marlow Theater now stands. Some buildings of the monastery have survived to the present day and are still used for public purposes.
History
In 1237, King Henry III provided Dominicans with land within the city walls, £ 500 and roof wood so that they could build a church and monastery. [1] Their buildings were centered on modern Blackfriars Street. The monastery was secularized in 1538 and became a weaving mill, but over the next century its building gradually collapsed.
The refectory on the eastern bank of the Staur River has survived to the present day - it was used as an Anabaptist (later unitary) prayer house from 1640 to 1912. In the 1920s, the building was renovated and used as a store before the Cleary Foundation bought it in 1982 to transfer it to the Royal School as an art gallery building. [1] The location of the monastery gates is indicated by a plaque and pavers at the entrance to Blackfriars Street.
The guest house on the west bank has become a private residence in the 1780s and a furniture store since 1905. In 1979, it was bought and restored by local residents, Mr. and Mrs. Burling, to be used as a meeting room for members of the Scout movement. [one]
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 BLACKFRIARS . Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society.