Wymondley Priory

• Wymondley, Hertfordshire.
• OSGB – TL 21864 28049, TL 22223 28275.
• Scheduled Monument.
• Monument Number for moat 365129

Medieval moat and earthworks.

1218                            Augustinian Priory founded as a hospital by Richard de Argentein, a Knights Templar.

1228                            Before: Richard de Argentein had been on a Crusade.

1290                            Hospital extant.

1537                            Priory dissolved and lands granted to James Nedham.

1545                            John Needham inherited the site.

1626                            George Needham (1) died.

1669                            George Needham (2) died.

1688                            Inherited by George Needham who made improvements to the site.

1700                            c: The cloister remained until.

1725                            George Needham (3) died.

1733                            Sold to Samual Vanderplank.

18 C                            The eastern part of the cloister was destroyed by fire. Home to Sir Thomas Browne, Garter King of Arms and land surveyor.

1806                            Sold to Samuel Heathcote.

1812                            Inherited by Samuel Heathcote Unwin.

1862                            Samuel Heathcote Unwin died and it passes to his son, Col. Unwin-Heathcote.

1973-1974                 Stripped and completely renovated.

1989                            Evaluated by North Herts District Council Field Archaeology Section.

1990                            Surveyed and measured.

1992                            Excavated by North Hertfordshire Archaeology Unit.

1994                            Watching Brief by Heritage Network.

20 C                            The nave forms part of a farmhouse. Earthworks and moat remain.