Ware Priory – Timeline of key events

 

 

1338 - Ware Greyfriars granted land to build an oratory (a place of prayer).

 

1536 - Act of Parliament passed to "dissolve" the monasteries and other religious houses (Priories & Friaries)

 

1544 - Henry VIII gave the property to Thomas Byrche as a private house which it remained until 1912

 

1913 - Ware Priory purchased by Mrs Elizabeth Croft, a member of one of the major malting families of Ware.

 

           During the Great War, Elizabeth Croft loaned The Priory to the Red Cross as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

 

1920 - Ware Priory is leased to the people of Ware for 999 years at a rent of three shillings (15p) per year,

           and is used as base for Ware Urban District Council (WUDC)

 

1974 - Local Government review, WUDC dissolved and East Herts District Council (EHDC) is formed

 

           Between 1974 & 1980, Charities Commission decide the 1920 lease was "charitable"  and should be

           registered as a charity            

 

1980 - 1993

 

           Control of the Priory passed to Ware Town Council as Charitable Trustee

 

           The Priory and some grounds listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by English Heritage

 

            A scheme for restoration and refurbishment was finally agreed.

 

1993 - Work starts in October;

           Many interesting finds were uncovered;

           More than expected of the original 14th and 15th century structures found to remain.

 

1994 - In November the building officially re-opened by HRH Duke of Gloucester.

 

2001 - Old Stable Block roof collapses, as a result the block had to be demolished on safety grounds

 

           Trustees agree to improve that part of the Priory park/estate by erecting a new community building

 

2006 - Fletcher’s Lea officially opened in March 2006 by Duke of Gloucester

 

The story is not yet over.  The Priory park/estate continues to evolve and the next chapter awaits.

 

Plans have been discussed for a major refurbishment of the grounds, including reinstating some of the former Victorian features.

 

Watch this space!