Newstead Priory

Newstead, just north of Nottingham, is now called Newstead Abbey, but it never was an abbey - that was a gothic fancy after the Reformation.  Newstead was frequently referred to in Augustinian documents (as Novo Loco), and it hosted a fair few general chapters.  It seems to have punched above its weight, for it was perpetually in debt.

Photo: a northern vicar

It would make an interesting study from that point of view - a totally different interesting from Marton and Moxby, for the canons of Newstead seem to have been irreproachable:  indeed, the priors of Nostell and Guisborough, the visitors of 1261, recommended that the brethren have more eggs - suggesting a very Spartan diet indeed.

There's a nice little blog about Newstead Abbey here, with some good pictures, one of which is the seal, and I've shamelessly half-inched it.  It's the first seal, from the 12th century, and is the BVM and Child, she sporting a fleur-de-lis virga in her right hand, and tenderly holding the Child with her left. She has lovely maunches (sleeves) on her bliaut, and they sit on a beautifully padded seat.  Her crown looks fleur-de-lizé, and she's wearing a veil or a barbette. Birch's description is here.

+ SIGILLUM . SANCTE MARIE NOVI LOCI ISCHI.

Newstead is called Novo loco - confusingly there is another Austin priory called Novo loco:  Newark in Surrey.