Binham Priory was home to a Benedictine community of monks for over 400 years.
Founded in about 1091 by the Norman baron Peter des Valoines, the priory was built on land given to him by his uncle, William the Conqueror. It was home to about 14 monks and a prior.
The construction of the church spanned close to 150 years, starting in the 1090s. The façade was not completed until shortly before 1244 and its huge central window is the earliest surviving example in England of a decorative form called 'bar tracery'.
The buildings were adapted and extended throughout the medieval period, but life at the priory changed dramatically in 1539 when it was closed by King Henry VIII at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries. It was given to Sir Thomas Paston, an important royal servant, who dismantled most of the buildings.
The nave continued in use as Binham's parish church, and with the support of the local community, has survived to the present day.
Anon, 1991. 'Binham Priory: a guide to the priory church of St Mary and the Holy Cross, Binham, Norfolk', Binham: Parochial Church Council
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The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
