After we left Oxburgh and began the journey back to the chalet, we popped in to a little village called Castle Acre for a cup of tea and a leg stretch. We had spotted a sign for an English Heritage property, a priory, on the way there and thought it would make an ideal stopping off place on the way back.
We didn't realise as we rolled up, how huge the place was, it is one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England, and we just popped in on a whim.
So with no prior knowledge (no pun intended!) and a couple of hours to spare before it closed we had a wander round.
So with no prior knowledge (no pun intended!) and a couple of hours to spare before it closed we had a wander round.
Dating back to 1090, the priory was home to a Cluniac order of monks, who lived there until 1537 when, under the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, it was disbanded and afterwards fell into ruin.
As you can see, the site is huge, this was a thriving monastery for over 450 years and parts are still almost intact. The huge west front, as seen in my first photo, and the attached prior's lodging are stunning. By climbing some pretty uneven stone steps you can go upstairs into the prior's house, where parts of the painted ceiling remain.
Just look at that amazing woodwork and art!
The main room was also very cosy, with a large bay stone mullion window and huge fireplace, we posed for a selfie.
The view through the window of the west front was amazing, all that stonework.
Downstairs and beneath the main living quarters we found an entrance hall, leading straight through to the cloister
This fabulous brick ceiling is medieval and was constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Looking back at the part intact tower and prior's house.
As with most of the very early properties we've seen in this area, the main priory walls are constructed mainly of flint.
More information on Castle Acre priory here
We finally made it back to the chalet, and after tea took our now habitual evening stroll on the pebble beach
Finishing off the day with another relaxing wander to the sound of waves crashing up the shoreline.
Just look at that amazing woodwork and art!
The main room was also very cosy, with a large bay stone mullion window and huge fireplace, we posed for a selfie.
Downstairs and beneath the main living quarters we found an entrance hall, leading straight through to the cloister
This fabulous brick ceiling is medieval and was constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Looking back at the part intact tower and prior's house.
More information on Castle Acre priory here
We finally made it back to the chalet, and after tea took our now habitual evening stroll on the pebble beach
What a wonderful property to have stumbled across. Castle Acre Priory must have been quite a place in its heyday! The stonework of the west front is magnificent. It's amazing how much of it is still partly intact. Another place to visit if we ever make it to that part of the UK. xxx
ReplyDeleteLooks a lovely place to visit, thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteWhat a place to stumble across...the west front is stunning.
ReplyDeleteOh MY!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful place! I would absolutely relish a visit to there!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a very elegant ruin, makes me want to dress in some of my Victorian finery and hang around like a goth! xxx
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