St Leonard’s Priory

St Leonard’s Priory was established according to the rules of St Benedict and the community was of ‘The Black Nuns’. The Priory flourished throughout the 13th and early 14th centuries. It is believed that William Shakespeare’s Aunt, Isabella, was Prioress here, and a brass commemorative plaque can be seen inside the Cathedral.

The Priory of St Leonard also known as the Monastery of St. Leonard at Wroxall was founded in 1141 according to the rules of St. Benedict.

Two of Hugh de Hatton’s daughters, Cleopatra and Edith, were professed as nuns. A lady named Edith, from Wilton nunnery, Wiltshire, came to instruct them in the rule of Benedict. The first Prioress’s name was either Ernborow or Erneburga. Walter de Maydenflon, Bishop of Worcester, dedicated the Priory Church and high altar.