Little Dunmow Priory

Little Dunmow Priory once stood in the quiet Essex village of Little Dunmow. Founded in 1104 by Juga de Baynard as a church, it later became an Augustinian priory. Juga was the widow of Ralph Baynard, a powerful baron who built Baynard’s Castle in London. After her death, her son Geoffrey followed her wishes and brought Augustinian canons to the church. The priory grew slowly and was never wealthy, owning lands worth about £150 by the 16th century. In 1535, it was closed under Henry VIII’s orders and its lands given to Robert Radcliffe.

The priory’s history includes a few notable events, such as the arrest of canon William de Stoke in 1369 for counterfeiting royal money. Several important figures were buried in the priory church, including Walter Fitz Robert and Robert Fitzwalter, both feudal barons of the area. The poet Walter of Bibbesworth and Aveline FitzJohn FitzGeoffrey, wife of an earl, also rest there. Local legend claims Maid Marian, of Robin Hood fame, is buried there too. The priory’s layout was uncovered in excavations during the early 20th century.

Today, only the lady chapel remains, serving as the parish church. The rest of the priory was destroyed long ago, but its past is still visible in the village. The chapel stands as a quiet reminder of the priory’s history. Visitors can walk through the church and see the graves of those buried there centuries ago. The surrounding village of Little Dunmow adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The priory’s story is one of quiet endurance, remembered in stone and legend.