Monument record 1160/11/7 - Possible School Within Greyfriars

{1} The friars are recorded as having built a house for their schools in 1258.

{2} In 1258 the king granted 10 oaks from Hanley Wood near Silverstone for the building of the School.

{3} By 1258 the building of the monastery was complete and the friars began building "a house for their schools". This is noteworthy because it indicates that the friars had ceased to follow the rule of their founder St Francis which forbade them possession of books and discouraged learning. The Franciscans however became the most learned body in Europe shortly after Francis' death, as required if they were to follow their mission adequately. It is also noteworthy because it points to the migration of students from Oxford to Northampton by 1258.

{4} In 1260 the king granted permission to the masters and scholars of Oxford to remove to Northampton and establish schools there for the teaching of sciences and the arts.

<1> Williams J., 1978, Excavations at Greyfriars, Northampton 1972, p.96-160 (checked) (Article). SNN459.

<2> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 42 Henry III/M.6 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<3> SERJEANTSON R.M., 1910, The Greyfriars of Northampton, p.276 (checked) (Article). SNN3358.

<4> Calendar of Patent Rolls, 45 Henry III m.34 (unchecked) (Document). SNN978.

Record last edited

Jun 11 2010 1:22PM