Monument record 1160/27 - House of The Poor Clares

A House of Poor Clares apparently existed for a short time in Northampton. Between 1252 and 1272, the sheriff of Northamptonshire was under instruction to provide the sisters with tunics every two years. It probably lay in the Horsemarket near the Dominican Friary, on the East side of the street. It is alternatively referred to as the Hospital of St Benedict, God's House, and St Mary's Hospital.

{1} Site of House of Poor Clares probably lies in Horsemarket near to the Dominican Friary probably on the east side rather than the west side of street for they are recorded in 1265 as residing 'juxta' the house of the Dominicans. The house is first recorded in 1252; recorded in 1265 as residing 'juxta' Dominicans; house last mentioned in 1272. Five sisters were accomodated; alternatively referred to as Hospital of St Benedict and God's House and Hospital of St Mary. This is the same establishment as that listed separately as the hospital of St Mary by Knowles and Hadcock.

{2} On the west side of Northampton near Mayorhold stood a small religious house of which little is known; appears to have been Franciscan Poor Clares; earliest record is 1252 when sheriff ordered to provide five tunics of russet as gift from king for five sisters; mentioned again in Close Rolls eight years later when five more tunics provided by buyers of king's wardrobe; in this instance house is referred to as Hospital of St Benedict; same order given again in 1262 for five Sisters of God's House at Northampton; similar entries on alternate years for following ten years; eg in 1265 king grants poor sisters dwelling near House of Friars Preachers or Black Friars cloth for five tunics; in 1267 they are called five Sisters of Hospital of St Mary; in 1272 received further clothing only days before King Henry died; successor does not appear to have continued Henry's benefactions and no further records found; was first House of Poor Clares founded in England but was evidently short-lived.

{3} House of Poor Clares here for short time; described as being near Friars Preachers; from 1252 to 1272 sheriff of Northamptonshire instructed to provide sisters with five tunics of russet every two years; also classified as Hospital of St Mary.

{6} House of Poor Clares or Sisters Minor was the first in England and short-lived; from 1252-1272 sheriff of county ordered to provide sisters with five tunics of russet every two years; described as dwelling near Friars Preachers ie near Mayorhold; nothing known of house except Close and Liberate Rolls.

{7} House of Poor Clares or Sisters Minor.

{10} Earliest record is 1252 when sheriff ordered to provide five tunics of russet as gift from king for five sisters.

{11} Five more tunics provided by buyers of king's wardrobe; in this instance house is referred to as Hospital of St Benedict.

{12} Five Sisters of God's House at Northampton.

{13} King grants poor sisters dwelling near House of Friars Preachers or Black Friars cloth for five tunics.

{14} Called five Sisters of Hospital of St Mary.

{18} House of Sisters Minor 1252-1272; near Mayorhold;

{19} No further details.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1985, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.341 (checked) (Series). SNN77383.

<2> SERJEANTSON R.M., 1911, The Greyfriars of Northampton, 12-13 (Article). SNN72196.

<3> Knowles; Hadcock, 1971, Medieval Religious Houses England and Wales, p.287+381 (checked) (Book). SNN10192.

<6> Page W. (ed), 1930, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.58 (checked) (Series). SNN100370.

<7> Shaw M.; Williams J., 1971-1981, Northampton Development Corporation SMR Record Cards, M27 (checked) (Index). SNN133.

<9> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 1268 AD/49 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<10> Calendar of Liberate Rolls, 36 Henry III m.2 (unchecked) (Document). SNN3497.

<11> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 45 Henry III/M.26 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<12> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 47 Henry III/M.9 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<13> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 49 Henry III/M.6 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<14> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 51 Henry III/M.1 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<15> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 53 Henry III/M.1 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<16> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 55 Henry III/M.1 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<17> Calendar of Close Rolls (undated), 57 Henry III/M.2 (unchecked) (Document). SNN2187.

<18> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP76SE57 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<19> Williams J.H.; Shaw M.; Hardy S., 1978-1984, Northampton Development Corporation SMR Secondary Record Sheets, M27 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN108.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 8:00PM