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).

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

 

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.

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

 

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

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

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

 

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