TREASURE DESCRIPTION: An Augustinian priory of St. Mary, founded in 1114 by Gilbert, Sheriff of Surrey. It quickly grew in size, wealth and importance covering over 60 acres and holidng a number of estates. The Priory enjoyed Royal Patronage from King Henry III.
Nine hundred years ago where a Savacentre supermarket is now, stood Merton Priory. It had a church as big as Westminster Abbey and was one of England’s most important centres of religion and learning. In 1236, the Statue of Merton was authorised by King Henry III in the Chapter House concerning landholding and inheritance. In 1346-9, royal sports were held here. In 1437, King Henry VI was crowned at the Priory. Merton Priory was demolished in 1538 and its stones taken to Cuddington for the construction of Nonsuch Palace. It is a historic site with industrial heritage. From the 1660s, the site of the Priory developed into a textile manufacturing centre. By the 18th Century, the main industry at ‘Merton Abbey’ was calico printing and the area became a major centre for textile printing and dyeing in England. Liberty’s and William Morris & Co. were established on or nearby the site.
These treasures were made as part of The Building Exploratory, Wandle Treasures project. This project was part of the wider Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
