Name: Thetford Priory
Rating: 5.0

Thetford Priory

Water Lane, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1BB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Priory of Our Lady of Thetford was one of the largest and most important monasteries in medieval East Anglia. Founded in the early 12th century, for 400 years it was the burial place of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk, and enjoyed their powerful protection.

It was because of this that Thetford was one of the last monasteries to be suppressed when it surrendered to Henry VIII's commissioners in 1540. The extensive surviving remains include the lower walls of the church and cloister, together with the impressive shell of the prior's lodging and an almost complete 14th century gatehouse.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Thetford Priory: The Priory of Our Lady of Thetford was one of the largest and richest religious foundations in medieval East Anglia. Founded in 1103–4 by Roger Bigod, the priory was affiliated to the great Benedictine abbey at Cluny in France and was built on a magnificent scale in the rich architectural style typical of the Cluniac order. It was suppressed in 1540 during the Reformation, and most of its buildings subsequently fell into disrepair. The extensive abbey ruins include an exceptionally well-preserved gatehouse.
Origins: The essential plan of the monastery was established by the founder, Roger Bigod, a close associate of William the Conqueror. He laid the foundation stone of the priory on 1 September 1107 just outside the medieval town walls of Thetford on a spacious and level site beside the river. Work on the church began in 1107 and the presbytery (east end) was probably complete by 1114. The nave, however, was probably not finished for another 60 years.
The Priory before the Suppression: From the mid-13th century the priory church was home to a miracle-working statue of the Virgin, which became a popular object of pilgrimage. The cult brought considerable financial reward to the priory, and before the end of the century the whole east end of the church was rebuilt on a more elaborate scale.An impressive new gatehouse was built in the 14th century.
The Suppression and After: When, in 1536, the priory was threatened with suppression, the staunchly Catholic 3rd Duke of Norfolk petitioned Henry VIII to convert it into a college of secular canons. He pointed out that he was preparing in the church not only his own tomb but also one for the king’s own illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond. But the duke’s petition failed, and on 16 February 1540 the last prior and 16 monks surrendered to the king’s commissioners.

Facilities

Parking: There is a small free car park near the site entrance (not managed by English Heritage).
Food & Drinks: There are no facilities at the priory but it is close to the centre of Thetford so there are public toilets, shops and places to eat nearby.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily, summer 10am-6pm, winter 10am-4pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Address: Water Lane, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1BB, UK

Post Code: IP24 1BB

Council: Breckland

County: Norfolk

Road Access: Near Thetford station.
Bus Access: Coach Services of Thetford 40, 81, 84, 86, 190, 200, 201, 332, T1, T1A, T2, T2A.
Train Access: Thetford 1⁄4 mile.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a small free car park near the site entrance (not managed by English Heritage).