Dissolution
in 1535, the Valor Ecclesiasticus estimated the annual value of the priory £257 4s. 4d. But one of the canons, James Gunwyn, wrote to Cromwell on 20 January 1536 claiming:
We are bound by the will of William Wykeham to have daily five masses in our church, which have not been said for more than forty years. On 26 May last the Commissioners sat in our place to ascertain the yearly value of our lands, that a tenth part might be assessed according to Act of Parliament, when my master (the prior) delivered them a book of the yearly rents which was not in all points made truly. Also on 22 September last we had a visitation of our house by Dr. Layton, when we had certain injunctions given us to be observed, several of which have been neglected hitherto. I send you this information in discharge of my oath of obedience, and would have done it earlier if I could have had a trusty messenger, for if my master knew of my writing he would convey away the plate, money and jewels in his keeping.
A letter to Lord Lisle of 16 March 1538, stated that the priory was to be suppressed, and that 'Our Lady of Southwick' was taken down. On 7 April 1538 the surrender was signed by the prior, William Norton, and twelve of the canons. James Gunwyn's signature is next to the prior's.
Prior Norton received the large pension of £66 13s. 4d.
Read more about this topic: Southwick Priory
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