The Priory

The Priory Farm Manor House

The Priory grew in importance over the following centuries, with the number of monks increasing to twelve. St.Hugh of Lincoln, and Gilbert - Earl Marshall of England - were both buried in the Priory Cemetary.

The Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century brought about the closure of the priory, some say on 9th February 1538/9. The then prior was Thomas Hampton. who signed the deed of surrender and shortly afterwards the lands passed into the hands of Sir Anthony Denny, one of The King's privy councillors. The Priory was dismantled and the church fell into disrepair, eventually being closed as the parish was amalgamated into that of All Saints.

The estate changed hands in 1587, in 1590 and again in 1617 when Richard Willis became the owner. John Harrison of Balls Park, MP for Lancaster, bought the land in 1637 and built the first house and the estate eventually became a manor farm.

In the mid-nineteenth century the land was broken up and sold. A woodyard was constructed, together with Priory Street and St.John's Road (later St.John's Street) and attendant housing. In addition, a new Catholic Church and convent were established, a fitting tribute to the land's heritage. The church remains to this day but the convent has now become flats.

Bibliography:
History Of Hertford by Dr.F.M.Page (1959), published by Hertford Town Council and available from Hertford Museum.
A History and Guide of The Catholic Church of The Immaculate Conception and St.Joseph, Hertford (1998) available from Father Gladstone Liddle at Hertford Catholic Church.
The Book Of Hertford by Cyril Heath (1975), published by Baron Birch.