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KEMPSHOTT WOMEN’S INSTITUTE |
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Travelling towards London on the M3 have you noticed the old barn on the right hand side situated between Hook and Fleet? For a number of years it has been in a sad state of repair but it has eventually turned into an Internet Car Sales Showroom. Did you know that it was the site of the first Cistercian nunnery in the British Isles? Our W.I. was given an informative talk and presentation on Wintney Priory by Tony and Wendy Heath. The Priory was founded between 1154 and 1171. It was dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene and they used to hold an annual fair around 22nd July. Because of “indecent dancing and singing of lewd songs” the Bishop put an end to the fair in 1338. This was a poor order although they did own 1 of the 4 mills in Winchester. They went through hard times because of the Great Famine and had to beg for food in the village. Then the Black Death reduced their numbers significantly. They did not always lead blameless lives. The behaviour of one prioress came to the attention of the Pope, whilst another was seduced by a man from Basing. As one of the smaller religious houses the Priory was one of the first to be dissolved by Thomas Cromwell on the orders of Henry VIII. On 22nd July 1536 the Priory finally closed its doors.
At present we are putting together a planned trip to visit the British Library and British Museum.
Our next meeting is on Monday, 31st March at 7.30;m in Kempshott Village Hall. We will be having a “Chocolate Demonstration”.
Norah Sullivan
(Article supplied by Kempshott Kourier)
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