More information : (TM 26815846) Letheringham Abbey on site of (NAT).
Letheringham Abbey (NR). (1)
'Letheringham Abbey' was a small Augustinian Priory founded by William de Bovile towards the end of the 12th c and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, as a cell of St Peter, Ipswich. It was served by 3-4 canons and suppressed in 1537. (2-3)
The Monastic buildings stood on the N side of the church but the remains are very scanty. To the E of the church (which incorporates two Norman west bays from the priory church) is a long range of 16th c brick buildings, incorporated in a farm, while to the SW is the 15th c brick gatehouse; part of the precinct wall also remains.
Letheringham Abbey (TM 267585A) was erected soon after 1600 (6) by Sir Robert Naunton on the site of the Priory and was demolished in 1949 (4). (4-6)
Letheringham Abbey Gatehouse (TM 267585B) Grade 3. A 15th c. square, red brick building with a modern pantiled roof. Now used as a stable. (7)
All that remains of the Augustinian Priory, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary according to the guide (attached) (a), is the church, now St Mary's parish church at TM 26845860, and the 15th c gatehouse at TM 26785860. The vague turf-covered footings of the Cannon's quire can be seen in the churchyard to the E of the church as a parched grass mark, but the cloisters, domestic buildings and precinct wall have disappeared without trace.
The house 'Letheringham Abbey' is demolished. According to the guide it was erected shortly after the priory was dissolved in 1537. It was not exactly on the site of the priory, but to the south of it.
The "long range of 16th c brick buildings" to the E of the church at TM 26875856 may be part of the priory complex, but they are more likely to be later farm buildings associated with 17th c Letheringham Abbey. (8)
TM 268586. Remains of Priory, including Gatehouse - scheduled. (9)
As described. see photographs. (10) |