Dominicans

an order of preaching friars. It was founded in the thirteenth century by St. Dominic with a view to convert the Albigenses. The order spread rapidly in France, Italy, and adjacent parts of Germany. The rules of the order were founded on those of the Augustinians. They were called Black Friars from the color of their costumes. A large monastery stood near the east end of the present bridge of Blackfriars, London. Forty-eight Dominican monasteries were among the number suppressed by Henry VIII during the time of the English Reformation. Like the Jesuits, the Dominicans were known for scholarship. Three popes, half a hundred cardinals, and over eight hundred bishops have been members of this order. In the early days of the order no property but alms was permitted; but, as the order grew, houses and property became needful. See Monasticism