Richmond Priory

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Richmond Priory also known as the Priory of Sheen was a Carthusian monastery, at Richmond, Surrey, England. It operated from its foundation in 1414, until its dissolution in the reign of Henry VIII.

In 1414, Henry V established the priory, named "The House of Jesus of Bethlehem", for forty monks of the Carthusian order. He built it on the north side of his existing royal manor house. It was composed of thirty cells, round a great court; or cloister.

Today, the Priory Gardens remain as a public recreation area. Of the priory itself, the distinctive Bell tower is one of the few remaining traces.

[edit] Sources

• House of Carthusian monks: Priory of Sheen www.british-history.ac.uk (accessed June 20th 2007)