Name: Binham Priory
Rating: 5.0

Binham Priory

Warham Road, Binham, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0DQ, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Binham Priory is among the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk. This Benedictine priory was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror. Many of its priors were unscrupulous and the history of the priory is one of almost continuous scandal.

The nave of the priory church, with its splendid 13th century west front and fine tiers of Norman arches, is now the parish church, and displays the former rood screen with medieval saints overpainted with Protestant texts. The extensive ruins beyond emphasise the original size of the monastery.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

Binham Priory is among the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk. This Benedictine priory was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror. Many of its priors were unscrupulous and the history of the priory is one of almost continuous scandal.
The nave of the priory church, with its splendid 13th century west front and fine tiers of Norman arches, is now the parish church, and displays the former rood screen with medieval saints overpainted with Protestant texts. The extensive ruins beyond emphasise the original size of the monastery.
Binham Priory was founded in 1091 and was home to a Benedictine community of monks for over 400 years. Its history is one of almost continuous scandal. Many of its priors proved to be unscrupulous and irresponsible, and by the time of the priory’s suppression in 1539 the community had been reduced to just six monks. The nave of the priory church, with its striking 13th-century west front, remains in use as the local parish church.
Binham Priory was founded in about 1091 by the Norman baron Peter des Valoines, on land given by Peter’s uncle, William the Conqueror (r.1066–87). The construction of the church spanned close to 150 years, starting in the 1090s. The buildings were adapted and extended throughout the medieval period. Prior Richard de Parco (1227–44), one of Binham’s more diligent priors, was probably responsible for beginning the magnificent west front of the church.
The community at Binham was always small, with 14 monks at its peak in 1320, dropping to 11 in 1381 and just 6 in the 1530s. The priory suffered from a succession of mainly unscrupulous and irresponsible priors. William de Somerton, who was prior from 1317 until 1335, sold many of the priory's valuable items in order to finance his alchemical experiments, leaving the priory £600 in debt.

Facilities

Parking: There is a small car park accessed through the priory gatehouse. Please be aware that this entrance is narrow.
Food & Drinks: Open most days of the week for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea - visit their website for details. Adjoining this, and open daily, is the The Little Dairy Shop with vending machines selling local milk, cheese and butter. There is a pub and a convenience store in the village.
Toilets: Toilets are available in the church when it is open.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome in the ruins but assistance dogs only inside the church.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/binham-priory/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The monastic ruins are open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Warham Road, Binham, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0DQ, UK

Post Code: NR21 0DQ

Council: North Norfolk

County: Norfolk

Road Access: 1⁄4 mile NW of village of Binham on road off B1388.
Bus Access: Sanders service 13 (Thu only) & 46
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a small car park accessed through the priory gatehouse. Please be aware that this entrance is narrow.