Huntingdon Priory

Its foundation date is unknown. Dugdale suggests that it was a re-foundation of an Anglo-Saxon canonry; this is a credible idea, as several other Austin priories were . As a house of canons regular, it was founded by Eustace de Lovetot, sheriff of Huntingdon - apparently in compensation for his rapacity as sheriff. Eustace's heir, William, was a patron of the priory, and he also founded Worksop Priory, suggesting a family attraction to the Augustinians. The canons regular were occupying the church by the 1090s. In or around 1098, Christina of Markyate’s mother was sitting looking out at the priory; a dove flew from it and landed on her sleeve - and so she knew her daughter to be blessed. Christina was taught by Sueno, a canon of Huntingdon. In 1114, Robert, the subprior, left Huntingdon to help Gilbert, sheriff of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire and Surrey, found Merton Priory.
Henry I confirmed the priory's lands and gifts; his wife, Matilda of Scotland was one of the drivers behind the Augustinian movement in England and Wales. Her brother David I of Scotland was also earl of Huntingdon and a benefactor of Huntingdon Priory. William de Lovetot's son Richard was also a benefactor; his sons died without issue; his daughters married local aristocrats, and through the eldest, Amice, the Priory became associated with the de Mandeville family.

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