Leeds Priory

A probable cause was the sharply rising ground immediately east of the church presenting a barrier to extension.

[8] The main church formed the northern part of the priory, with ranges to the east,[8] west,[9] and south.

About this time, during the reign of King Richard II, canon Thomas Hazlewood came to Leeds Priory.

James Goldwell, Bishop of Norwich, made generous donations to the priory, and gave sufficient support for an additional priest.

[11] After the priory had been dissolved, the King leased it to Anthony St Leger for 21 years,[13] at a rent of £22.

In 1551, King Edward VI granted the site of the priory and land and woods in Broomfield, Langley, Leeds and Sutton Valence amounting to 229 acres (93 ha) to St Leger to be held in capite.

The remainder of the estate had been assigned in 1542 by King Henry VIII to the Dean and Chapter of Rochester.

In 1573, St Leger transferred the estate to Sir William Meredith, of Stansty, Denbighshire.

[14] In 1581, Meredith's son, also named William, purchased certain lands in Warham St Leger that had previously formed part of the estate.

In 1765, Oxenden sold the estate to John Calcraft, of Ingress, Kent, who considerably extended the house and landscaped the grounds.

[15] The dovecote of the mansion remains and is on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register.

In 1973, an excavation of the site took place over eleven weeks in total, covering all four seasons.

Leeds Abbey by Thomas Badeslade , 1719