Calvary, Hawkesyard Priory, Rugeley

Description:A postcard view of the Calvary in the gardens at Hawkesyard Priory. A Calvary is a sacred cross, particular to the Roman Catholic church, usually with the figure of Christ on a crucifix. Calvary is the hill where Jesus was crucified.

The adjacent mansion was formerly known as Armitage Park, a mid-18th century house, which was originally built by Nathaniel Lister and later known as Hawkesyard Park. Nearby are the Priory, College and Church buildings. Armitage Park was bought in 1839 by the widow of Josiah Spode III, who lived there with her son Josiah IV. The house was much improved by the Spode’s, as were the gardens.

Josiah Spode IV and Miss Helen Gulson were benefactors of Hawkesyard. Josiah became converted to Roman Catholicism and when he died in 1893 Miss Gulson was given a life interest in the mansion of Hawkesyard Park, however, she preferred to live in a smaller house in the gardens of the estate. Miss Gulson died in 1911.

Over the years the mansion separately from the priory buildings became a Dominican Preparatory School re-named Spode House and later it was occupied by a succession of different schools. in the 1950s (Around 1954) the building was refurbished, and it became a conference centre and Retreat House.

The chapel known as the Pro Cathedral and Priory Church of St Thomas was built by the Dominicans, who also built a priory here between 1896-1914 to the design of Edward Goldie. They named it Hawkesyard Priory. The organ case in the chapel dates from 1700 and came originally from Eton Chapel.

In later years the Hawkesyard Estate has been developed and currently (April 2019) there is a Golf Club, Conference Centre, Wedding Venue and Hawkesyard Priory Nursing Home.

This postcard was published by Pascoe and Son, Caxton House, Rugeley.