More information : (TL87074100) Site of (NAT) Priory (NR) (TL 87054103 and 87094098) Priory Wall (NR) (1)
Sudbury Priory: A house of Dominican or Black Friars was founded in 1272 by Baldwin de Shimperling and his wife Mabilla; it was surrendered at the Dissolution on Oct 31st 1539, and demolished to make way for a dwelling house. The original priory, on the south side of Friars Street, stood behind the existing rough stone wall with its two Tudor doorways. (2)
Nothing remains of the priory. The only portion of wall extends from TL 87094093 to 87094104; the two Tudor doorways no longer exist.
A convent of Dominican Friars was established before 1247 by Baldwin de Shipling and Chabil his wife; it was suppressed in 1539. (3)
None of the monastic buildings remain except a 15th century half-timbered gateway which has been incorporated in an hotel. (4)
The gatehouse, about 16th century in date, is now part of the private house called The Priory Gate. (5)
Excavations in 1970 by T Howlett revealed two E-W walls and a timber-lined well which yielded 16-17th century pottery and a 15th century floor tile. The earliest pottery found was of 12th century. (6)
The alleged Priory Wall on the south side of Friars St is in fact the sleeper wall of the Priory Gate, a 16th century gatehouse built on the site of the priory after the dissolution. Its arch survives, but is blocked up. Surveyed at 1:2500. (7) |