The Abbey before the Dissolution

Aerial view reconstruction drawing  of the abbey from the north-west in 1540 (drawing by Richard Bond) © English Heritage Photo Library The essential plan of the monastery was established by the founder Roger Bigod.

He laid the foundation stone of the priory on 1st 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.

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, 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.