Small Augustinian priory cell for prior and perhaps 2 canons founded 1184-6. Incorporated with the Premonstratensian Abbey at Halesowen 1332 and annexed in 1464, there then being only one canon. In c.1500 the estates were leased out and only one canon/the prior remained serving the church. Dissolved 1536. [1] [2]
Parts of medieval buildings survive in house Dodford Priory (HWCM 3396) and there is a moat to the NE of building. Around most of the site of the monastery a moat can be recognised. On the W side a stream probably acted as defence at the S end of the precinct. the stream is cut into Keuper Marl up to 20' deep with very steep sides. Here there is a mound 5' high. On the SE side is a steep gully containing small stream. Here the SE bank is 5-6' higher than the inner bank. Halfway along the SE side is a depression 1-2' deep which is the beginning of a moat. The moat itself is complete on N and E side. The outer edge is always higher than the inner edge and the moat is 12'- 15' deep in places. Being infilled from the NW end. On most of the N side, a low inner bank ending at the E end in a small mound. Within precinct in east half are a series of hollows. [3]
Fishponds at Dodford Priory (HWCM 1426). Earthworks recorded nearby including possible fishponds, building platforms and a possible rabbit warren (HWCM 9879). Alton Priory (now Priory Cottage) has substantial cellars which may relate to the Priory (HWCM 12324). [4]
Towards end of his life (ie 1189) Henry II founded a small priory at Dodford. Follows history through registers of Bishops of Worcester. Refutes claim that it passed under Halesowen jurisdiction in 1332. Passed to Halesowen in 1464; in 1505 there was a community of 13. [5]
Other sources. [6] [9] [12]
Taxatio (1291) valued at ú4 16s 8d. At Valor Ecclesiasticus (1535) valued under estates of Halesowen Abbey at 24 13s 1d. [7]
Report of earthmoving and landscaping at Dodford Priory May 1997 (report could not be located but photos in file). [8]
Moat and associated remains scheduled 1998. [10]
Sales particulars, date uncertain. [11]
| <1> | Bibliographic reference: Knowles, D. 1953. Medieval Religious Houses: England and Wales. Medieval Religious Houses. |
| <2> | Map: Ordnance Survey. 1955. Ordnance Survey map 1955 SO97SW 6 inch. Ordnance Survey. |
| <3*> | Bibliographic reference: Various. 1970. Worcestershire Archaeology Newsletter No 6. Worcestershire Archaeological Society. 06. 15. |
| <4> | Bibliographic reference: Page, W. 1913. A History of the County of Worcester: Volume III. Victoria County History. III. 162-166. |
| <5> | Bibliographic reference: Bond, W. 1972. From Hamlet to Parish: The Story of Dodford. |
| <6> | Bibliographic reference: Lacey, J. 1909. Bromsgrove N and Q. . |
| <7> | Bibliographic reference: Dugdale, W. Monasticon Anglicanum. |
| <8> | Photograph: Unknown. 1997. Photographs of earth moving at Dodford Priory. |
| <9> | Aerial Photograph: Various. 1998. Aerial photographs. WHEAS. |
| <10*> | Scheduling record: English Heritage. 1998. Schedule- Dodford Priory. English Heritage. |
| <11> | Estate Agents Details: Andrew Grant. Unknown. Sales Particulars for Dodford Priory. Andrew Grant. |
| <12> | Unpublished document: Aston, M. 1970. Notes on fieldwork at Dodford Priory. |