A History of Whiteladies Priory

A tale of two Cromwells, two kings, and a story of survival

Join historian Robert Parry for a compelling exploration of Whiteladies Priory, a medieval convent whose quiet ruins near Boscobel belie a dramatic role in the turbulent history of 16th- and 17th-century England.

Once an Augustinian priory of canonesses founded in the 12th century, Whiteladies was dissolved under Henry VIII during the Reformation, ending centuries of monastic life. 
But the site’s story didn’t end there: more than a century later, it would play a crucial part in the dramatic escape of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. At the manor beside the priory ruins, the fleeing king sought sanctuary from Cromwell’s forces, a remarkable episode that helped shape the final days of the English Civil War. 

Drawing on personal research — informed by decades spent living and farming around the site — Robert Parry brings to life:

• The origins and dissolution of Whiteladies Priory

• Its connection to the Giffard family and the wider landscape of medieval Brewood and the Marches

• The dramatic events of September 1651, when the priory and nearby Boscobel became part of Charles II’s daring flight

• How local legend and recorded history intertwine at this evocative location

Rich in social, religious, and political history, this talk will appeal to enthusiasts of monastic history, the English Reformation, and the Civil War era, as well as those interested in the hidden stories behind local landmarks.

About the Venue

This event is based at Bishops Wood Village Hall, a short distance from Whiteladies Priory. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, has good parking and toilet facilities. IT is not served by public transport, so private transport needs to be used.