History of Grace Dieu Priory

By Ann Petty

Gracedieu Priory is situated in the most picturesque surroundings in North West Leicestershire. It was an Augustinian Priory founded by Roesia de Verdun of Belton in 1238.The Priory ran for 300 years until 1538 and the Dissolution of the Monasteries,when the nuns were pensioned off and the Priory was bought by John Beaumont,who turned it into his Mansion.It is understood that Roesia's body was moved from Gracedieu to Belton at this time and this is the "White Lady" that has been seen so many times over the years, trying to get back to her home.John Beaumont became Master of the Rolls for Henry VIII in 1552, but abused his position and had all his lands confiscated, including Gracedieu. In 1557 his widow Elizabeth got them back and in 1586 Francis Beaumont, the dramatist was born there.By 1690 the Beaumont line had run out and so the estate was sold to Sir Ambrose Phillips of Garendon Abbey near Loughborough. He didn't want the house, only the estate and so the Priory became a ruin, which attracted such people as Wordsworth. The site was cut in half in 1794 by the Charnwood Forest Canal and again in 1881 by the Charnwood Forest Railway.
The site is now open to the public and looked after by the Friends of Gracedieu who regularly take guided walks and Ghost Walks which are very popular all year round.For more details phone 01530 458872