This Day in History: 1539-11-23

On 23rd November 1539, the Cluniac Priory of St John the Evangelist in Pontefract, which had been founded by Robert de Lacy in around 1090, was surrendered to Henry VIII‘s commissioners. The commissioners’ report said that they had ‘quietly takine the surrenders and dissolvyed the monasterie of Pountfrette, wher we perceyved no murmure ore gruge in any behalfe bot wer thankefully receyvede.’ Pensions were granted to the prior (£50, nearly £50,000 in today’s money) and twelve brethren. The prior, James Thwaytes, was then appointed Dean of St. Clement’s for life.