History

The Friary in Cowley, Oxford, England serves as a formation centre for the study and training of our student friars. The Friary was originally built in 1873 as the convent for the Anglican Society of All Saints Sisters of the Poor, it is located between St Mary's Road and Cowley Road, neighbouring St John's Care Home and Helen & Douglas House. Both the friary and its chapel have been recognized as Grade II listed buildings.

​

In 1869, the Society of All Saints Sisters of the Poor were invited to Oxford by the founder of the Society of St John the Evangelist, Richard Meux Benson to run the St John's Home hospital. A convent was needed to house the sisters working in the hospital. The building was designed by Charles Buckeridge, and from 1882 to 1891, further renovations were carried on the building which was overseen by the architect John Loughborough Pearson. In 1906, the present chapel, designed by Ninian Comper, was built.

​

In 2013 The Franciscan Conventuals returned to work in Oxford for the first time since the Reformation. They started a centre for formation in Holton. In July 2014, they moved to All Saints Convent after the All-Saints sisters moved into a smaller residence