Durford Abbey

Sussex, S-W of Petersfield (THOMPSON)

Founded as Blessed Virgin Mary and St John the Baptist by Henry *Husey/Husat II *Hoese (THOMPSON);  confirmation probably granted March 1161;  founded at the latest 1169 (THOMPSON).  Daughter of Welbeck

Refectory built over an undercroft (?)  (CLAPHAM)

Early dispute with Welbeck over parentage because the abbot of Durford hoped to make Leiston more important (THOMPSON)

Founded with usual 13 canons.  By 1327:  abbot + at least 15 canons.  1475:  8 canons but 2 awol.  Only abbot + 3 canons survived plague in 1482.  1488:  5 canons and wanting more.  1491:  10 including 5 novices;  1494:  9;  1497:  10 not including abbot;  1500:  8 including abbot and 2 novices;  1536:  9.

Robbed in 1317 and 1335, when some buildings were burnt;  1417 tower struck by lightning and burnt.

Appears to have closed down in 1536.  (KNOWLES)

A modern farm;  yard probably represents the cloister;  building to S has part medieval S wall; column discovered to W of that building may indicate part of refectory undercroft;  good coffin-lid and some tiles on site (CLAPHAM)