During the early 17th century, the friary served as a refuge for elderly and infirm friars and priests who were fleeing persecution in the wake of the English Reformation.

They re-used the nave, south transept and tower of the original friary in the construction of a new church.

[2] The Multyfarnham Abbey is dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, whose feast is on 1 January, and to Saint Francis of Assisi, who is honoured on 4 October.

The first friars came to Multyfarnham around 1270 at the invitation of the Delamar family (soldier protectors) and is presumed that their patron would have provided them, shortly after that date, with a church and residence worthy of its piety and position.

There was toleration between 1625 and 1641 when the clergy and Catholic nobility met there and had vigorous Franciscan activity.