More information : (TM 318545) Remains of Priory (Augustinian) (NR) Stone coffins found AD 1842 (NAT) (1)
A Priory of Augustinian Canonesses founded c1195 and dissolved in 1536. From 1347 to 1354 a college of five chaplins existed beside the Nunnery. It was re-established in 1390 and finally dissolved in 1536. (2)
Remains of the Priory are mainly incorporated in the present house, mill and barn of "Ashe Abbey". Excavations in 1970 revealed foundations and footings of part of the conventual church, together with Medieval floor tiles (some possibly in situ). (3)
The only surviving part of Campsea Ash Priory is the N and E walls of the refectory. The walls have been much restored and the building is used as a barn. As described, remains have been incorporated into Ashe Abbey House (which is externally modern) and the mill (disused). A squarish depression survives of the 1970 excavation area, and to the E areas of disturbed rough pasture indicate the Priory's extent. According to Sherlock (a) the decoy pond to the N is contemporary with the priory. (4)
Abbey House (formerly listed as Ashe Abbey House) House, formerly purported to be the frater and dorter of the chaplaincy for the Canons of the Priory, 14th century, exterior remodelled in the 20th century. The interior contains a 14th century raised aisled hall, originally of three bays one of which may have been demolished in the 19th century. Grade 2*.
Barn. The west range of the claustral building of the church for the Nuns of the Augustinian Priory. Five bays, converted to a barn possibly in the late 17th century, remodelled in the 20th. Grade 2. (5)
TM 317545 Campsey Priory (site of); scheduled. (6)
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