Thomas de Druval founded the community during the reign of Henry I.
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There were 36 in 1301; 8 in 1445; 4 or more in 1530.
The bishop of Lincoln appoints the prioress after a much disputed election in 1301. A master is appointed in 1309 and there are ecclesiastical visitations in 1445 and 1517. The community is thought to have lived in a lax manner after the 13th century.
The first benefactor was Thomas de Druval, followed by Richard of Cornwall sometime before 1268. The crown estalishes patronage of the community before 1300. Benefactors are the founder, Thomas de Druval and his family, King Richard I and other Kings until termination. Walter di Bolebech and Alan son of Rembert Thomas Basset and his wife, Adelis, and William di Mande, R. de Langetot of Whitechurch were also patrons.
The community held a good deal of land in Lincoln and in Berkshire. It owned a chapter house in Buckinghamshire and also had many small benefactors. In 1291 its assets were 44 pounds. Its fortunes declined particularly in the period 1517-30. Its assets were valued at 69 pounds in 1526 and 63 pounds in 1535.
It received financial support from the relatives of its nuns, collected rents, and received an indulgence from the Bishop in 1301 to build a church.
The first document, dated 1181, confirms the existence of the community by King Henry II.
In the 12th century the community used a seal that depicted the Blessed Virgin Mary with child under a rounded arch supported by pillars. It reads:[s]IGILLVM: ECCLES[IE: SCE: MARI]E: DE: GARING
A Collection of Charters Relating to Goring (Priory), Volume 1:103, no. 1.
Women Religious: The Founding of English Nunneries After the Norman Conquest
Medieval Religious Houses in England and Wales, 228.
The Victoria History of the County of Oxford2:103-4 available online at ">http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=40192&strquery=Goring"> [Victoria County History]
Dugdale's Monasticon Volume 6 Part 1
Goring Nunnery, in Oxfordshire
Elkins gives Henry II as the founder and indicates this is a Benedictine community.
Mad 6/11/97
[V0394]
disputed election , Prioress