Monday, August 31, 2009

Clare Priory

Wow, what a place! Was originally a 13th Century retreat for the Augustine Order from Italy I believe. Henry VIII shut it down. It was ressurrected as a functioning priory for priests in 1953. Though an atheist I met the friars in my teens. My friend Paul Cross was a catholic. He helped clean the priory. Sixteen years of age, Paul and I spent the early evening at the Priory - and shared their evening meal! Yes, the friars drank a lot. In their new car they drove us to Sudbury. Paul and I 'hit the town' and the friars had a meeting with some Nuns! Yes, it was 1970 and everyone was liberated!!!