Buckenham Priory |
| Hob Uid: 387619 | |
Location :
Norfolk
Breckland
Old Buckenham
|
| Grid Ref : TM0713092490 |
| Summary : The priory was founded on the site of Old Buckenham Castle in 1146 on the completion of New Buckenham Castle, and was granted to the Augustinian Canons on the proviso that they dismantled the defences of the old castle to prevent the site falling into the hands of rebels, and using the materials to construct the priory. The priory was dissolved in 1536. The north east crossing pier of the Priory church remains standing, constructed of flint and rubblestone, as do the earthworks. The crossing was excavated in 1950. The basic plan of the earthworks can be described as an oblong with rounded corners aligned southwest-northeast, this probably comprising the original keep or inner bailey. A lesser enclosure of the same size is attached to its southeast side. The outline of the Priory is visible on aerial photographs. |
More information : (TM 07139249) Remains of Priory (NR) (Augustinian
Founded AD 1146). (1)
Buckenham Priory (Augustinian) founded c 1146 by William de Albini 2nd Earl of Arundel and dedicated to St Mary, St James and All Saints. Dissolved in 1536. (2-3)
Excavations under the direction of D Purcell took place in 1949-50. The crossing of the nave was located and glazed flooring tiles found. The rubble walling of the N side of the chancel was followed and it was ascertained that the squared E end to the chancel was its original form. (4-5)
Only one piece of standing masonry survives at TM 0714 9250. It is a rubble core without any dressed facing stones. Ditches which are now dry, may have bounded the monastic site, and earlier formed an integral part of the Castle defences. (See TM 09 SE 4). (6) |