A Question of Spirituality

Kirklees Nuns in the 14th Century

1. Introduction

From the late 13th century onwards archbishops at York monitored Kirklees Priory as there was considerable concern for its spiritual health. Concern was first raised on 25 July 1287, when Archbishop John le Romeyn asked the prior of St Oswald's to visit the convent (see note 1). He was instructed to hear the nuns' confessions and to ensure that they were living worthy lives, keeping a secure house and adhering to the church's and their order's doctrines and laws.

2. Visit of the Archbishop of York in July 1301

Fourteen years later in July 1301, Thomas of Corbridge, who had recently been appointed as Archbishop of York, sent notice from Bradford to the prioress that he intended to visit the house the very next day (see note 2). This is the only instance of the archbishop's intention to visit a house at short notice on this particular tour of office. It could suggest that Thomas Corbridge felt the need to check on the state of Kirklees. Perhaps it had something to do with the court case involving Alice le Mousters, the prioress at that time, Elizabeth de Hopton, a nun, and Robert Illewylly.

Notes

1. BI Reg. 6 Archbishop Corbridge, fo. 35.

2. BI Reg. 6 Archbishop Corbridge, fo. 35.

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Next