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From
the 12th century various monasteries were founded in London, most with royal
connections. Amongst these were Holy Trinity Priory in Aldgate, St
Bartholomew-the-Great in Smithfields and St Martin-le-Grand, whose nearness to
the Newgate Prison meant that prisoners on their way to execution took refuge
within the Gates.
Perhaps
the monastery that played a leading role in the affairs of England was the
monastic Order of St Dominic known as Blackfriars situated by Thames-side
across the river Fleet and Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace. It was here that in
1529 a Court was held by Cardinal Wolsey to hear the King’s petition for a
divorce from Queen Catherine.
The
illustrated Talk traces the origins and destiny of the various London
monasteries, the surrounding areas, monarchs and ordinary people connected with
them, their contribution to the City and their downfall. It explores what is
there now and both the Talk and Walk finishes at St Katharine’s Docks, the site
of the Royal Foundation of St Katharine, founded in the 12th century by
Queen Matilda, the wife of King Stephen.