Eye Priory |
| Hob Uid: 389045 | |
Location :
Suffolk
Mid Suffolk
Eye
|
| Grid Ref : TM1524074060 |
| Summary : Benedictine Priory dedicated to St Peter, was founded by Robert Malet circa 1080. Originally an Alien Priory dependent on Bernay, it became independent in 1385 when it could support only 3 -4 monks. It was finally dissolved in 1537. Only the 15th/16th century `gatehouse' now survives, in use as a barn. During excavations, a 9th century seal-die of Bishop Aethelwold (845-70) was found. Excavations demonstrated that the church and claustral buildings were a replica of the mother-house. The church had an aisled nave with apsidal chancel and apsidal side chapels adjoining. The transepts also had apsidal chapels. The claustral buildings were arranged to the north, the cloister being 90 feet square. |
More information : (TM 15317397) Remains of Priory (NR) Benedictine Founded
AD 1385 (NAT)
(TM 15247406) Chapel (NR) (Remains of)
(Centred TM 15387411) Fish Ponds (NR). (1)
Benedictine Priory dedicated to St Peter, was founded by Robert Malet c 1080 originally an Alien Priory dependent on Bernay, it became Independent in 1385 when it could support only 3 -4 monks. It was finally dissolved in 1537. (2)
In 1926 excavations were carried out by Fairweather (see attached plan) who suggests that the building to the NW was a guest-house which included a chapel in its SE corner. (3)
"NE of Eye Castle and west of the River Dove is a series of fish-ponds of the Benedictine priory". (4)
A bronze seal-die dug up in a garden about 200yds from the monastery site probably belonged to AEthelwald bishop of Dunwich (845-870). Reg No 22.12-14, 1 (Seal Cat No 1). (5)
The only building of the Priory which survives is the 15th/16th brick built 'Guesthouse' (TM 15247406) now used as a barn. There are no indications of Chapel use. See ground photograph. There are flint and mortar standing wall sections in the garden area of Abbey Farm house (TM 15287397). It is evident from their ground position
and the Fairweather excavation report that some are not 'in situ'.
Abbey Farmhouse if of uncertain age, but is externally modernised and not outstanding. Worked stone is incorporated in the walls. See ground photograph. To the N of the house within a 1 1/2 hectare area of overgrown woodland is a fishpond complex (TM 153741). Mostly waterfilled but silting. The ponds were fed from a channel on
the W side of the complex, which extends to the River Dove further to the W. Published survey (25") revised. (6)
TM 152740. Eye Priory Guesthouse - scheduled. (7)
The fishponds have been revised on MSD but the remainder of the complex remains generally as described and surveyed.
See ground photograph. (8)
TM15367402; TM 15257406. Remains of Eye Priory at Abbey Farm scheduled. (9) |