St Katherine’s Priory without Lincoln

The Gilbertine Priory of St Katherine’s without Bargate was founded in 1148 by Robert de Chesney, fourth Bishop of Lincoln. The foundation deed has been lost but it was confirmed by Henry II. The priory was dedicated to St Katherine, the patron saint of secular learning and connected with the origin of the famous firework of the same name. St Katherine's was founded for cannons but it is likely that lay sisters were introduced to care for the sick and poor.

The Bishop endowed the priory with the prebend of Canwick, the mother church of Newark, the chapel in Newark Castle, houses and lands and a tenth of the toll of the borough except during fairs, and the churches of Norton Disney, Marton, Newton on Trent, and Bracebridge. He also handed over to the Gilbertines the hospital of the Holy Sepulchre and its property.

St Katherine’s attracted endowments from leading citizens and held substantial lands throughout Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Compared with other houses of the order, St Katherine's was well endowed. Expenditure would have been high due to its location on a major road into the city and also because it was used by royalty.

The thirteenth century was a time of activity and development. In 1285, the prior was granted a licence to build a windmill to the east of the priory gate. A few years later, St Katherine's Priory was the centre of a national mourning when the body of Queen Eleanor rested within the walls. In 1291, St Katherine's was granted a papal indulgence for visitors on the feast days of St Gilbert, St Katherine and St James.

The priory continued to develop and in 1294, the prior was allowed to enclose a plot of land to enlarge St Katherine's Priory. In 1306, permission was granted to construct a ceramic aqueduct for a water supply. This indicates the prestigious standing of St Katherine's, as only religious houses and royal palaces were given permission to have water conveyed by ceramic pipes. A ceramic pipe was uncovered by recent archaeological excavations.

The fortunes of St Katherine's began to change after reckless speculation and a series of assaults which resulted in damage and loss to property. The Black Death had a devastating effect on the Priory. By 1391, the St Katherine’s was poor and in debt. Looking after the sick and poor was proving expensive, labour was scarce, and wages and taxes were high.

The overall situation was not improved by two unworthy priors. Prior Robert Holgate apparently robbed St Katherine's of a valuable chalice and censers and escaped to London. His successor Prior William Griffiths was said to be a turbulent person and was denounced for promoting the rebellion in Lincolnshire. He entered St Katherine's by force, ejected the new prior, reinstated himself and remained in post until the Dissolution. Despite his behaviour, he secured a pension of £40.00s.0d a year whilst the lay sisters got nothing.