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Merton Priory
Merton Priory, founded as an Augustinian priory in the 12th Century, is a site of great historical significance and is certainly central to the history of Merton. There are even theories and evidence dating the site back to Roman occupation.
The Statutes of Merton, the basis of common law in England for centuries and seen by many as the forerunner for modern parliament, were signed here.
Walter de Merton, founder of Merton College in Oxford and Chancellor of England was also educated at the Priory.
The Priory, which attracted generous financial contributions, was a site of grand ornate buildings, including the Priory Church which in its completed form was 110 metres long and an unusually large Chapter House.
During its 400-year existence the monastery became a very important site both nationally and locally as well as providing an important source of employment and stability to the surrounding area.
At the time of dissolution most of the monastic buildings were demolished and the site was adapted for a range of water-based and water-powered industries, which were predominantly associated with fabric printing, and were latterly associated with significant designers and manufacturers such as Edmund Littler, William Morris founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and Liberty & Co who continued to operate on the site into the 1970s.
Although little survives today of the priory, it existed for over 400 years, and is now protected as a scheduled ancient monument. It has been extensively excavated, with the foundations to Merton Priory Chapter House preserved beneath Merantun Way.
Merton Priory Trust provides an education and information centre on the site of Merton Priory.
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This page was last updated on Monday 3 November 2008