The Priory of Our Lady of Thetford has a colourful history, and remains today an attractive ruin with an exceptionally well-preserved gatehouse.
Origins
The essential plan of the monastery was established by the founder Roger Bigod.
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.
In 1114 work was sufficiently advanced for the community of monks to enter their new home. These 12th-century monastic structures were adapted and extended throughout the Middle Ages.
The Abbey before the Dissolution
Following the classic form of monasteries, the buildings were arranged around a central cloister which was enclosed on each side by covered walkways.
The cloister walks gave access to all the principal rooms used by the monks in their daily life. These included the church, the refectory or dining room, and the first-floor dormitory. Beside the dormitory at ground level was the chapter house, which was the formal meeting chamber of the community.
Extending beyond the core of the monastery was the infirmary, with its own smaller cloister, and the prior's lodgings. There were also various free-standing buildings associated with the running of the monasteries estates, such as barns and stables. The whole complex was enclosed by a wall and entered through the great gatehouse.
In 1248 a notorious and dissolute prior of Thetford called Stephen was stabbed during a quarrel with one of his monks. He died just outside the great west door of the church.
Sources
Raby, F J E, Baillie Reynolds, P K and Rigold, S E 1979. 'Thetford Priory, Norfolk'. HMSO: London
Wilcox, R 1987. 'Thetford Cluniac priory excavations 1971–4' Norfolk Archaeology, 40, 1–18
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.
