The church and its adjacent residential buildings were the focus of a much larger monastic complex.
Unusually, the precinct that once surrounded Binham Priory has escaped later development and intensive ploughing, leading to the survival of many earthworks.
Part of the precinct's boundary wall still remain and the ruins of the gatehouse still serve as the main entrance to the site. The porter's lodge still served as the public face of the monastery and was where the monks gave out food to travellers and the poor.
The surviving earthworks are probably the remains of a large barn or granary, while the outer court, may have contained other buildings such as storehouses and workshops.
Stone from the priory was sold after the buildings were dismantled by Sir Thomas Paston in 1539. Some of the stones were re-used in village houses, particularly around doors and windows.
Disclaimer
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.
