St Augustine’s Priory

In 1631, a remarkable journey began. Abbess Lettice Mary Tredway, a Canoness Regular of the Lateran, established a priory in Paris. It was called Notre-Dame-de-Sion. This wasn’t just any priory. It was a refuge, a beacon of education for English Catholic girls fleeing persecution. St Augustine’s Priory wasn’t born in London. Its roots lie in the heart of Paris. Fast forward to the tumultuous French Revolution. The nuns were forced to flee, carrying their educational mission back to England. St Augustine’s Priory found a new home. It finally settled in Ealing in 1915, right here on Hillcrest Road. St Augustine’s Priory is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to resilience, to the enduring power of education. During World War II, as London trembled under the Blitz, the canonesses continued their lessons. They led their students to the cellars, undeterred by the air raid sirens. Education, they believed, must prevail. St Augustine’s Priory has always championed women. During the fight for women’s suffrage, Mother Mary Frances, a headmistress and Latin tutor, joined the cause. She chained herself to railings, broke windows, and made her voice heard. The school boasts thirteen acres of grounds. They have a wildflower meadow, an orchard, and even a rose garden. This serene environment provides a perfect backdrop for learning and growth. Although the canonesses voted to dissolve their chapter in 1996, their legacy lives on. St Augustine’s Priory remains a beacon of Catholic education, nurturing young minds and empowering future generations.