St Helen's Priory, Derby

St Helen's Priory was founded in 1137 by a man named Towyne, who was a Burgess of Derby. The priory was constructed to the North-West of the town of Derby, just outside the town walls. Dedicated to St Helen, the priory is described as being "an oratory or small religious house". This land at "Little-Derley", around a mile from the priory, was used for the establishment of Darley Abbey, and, in 1154, many of the canons transferred from St Helen's to Darley; St Helen's thus becoming a cell to Darley Abbey. Shortly after, in 1160, the priory began to operate as a hospital. The hospital is thought to have ceased operating around 1350. ==Later history and remains==

c.1920, when it was Derby School. The priory was located in the area currently known as St. Helen's Street, however, nothing remains of the priory buildings. This school was Derby School. Between 1766 and 1767, St Helen's House (which takes its name from the priory), was constructed on land formerly owned by the priory. First a private house, from 1861 it was home to Derby School. Around 1817 human remains, attributed to the priory and hospital, were found at the former priory site. Also at this time, part of the site was occupied by a Marble Factory, owned by a "Mr Brown". ==See also==