Remains Of Priory Of Our Lady Of Thetford Including Prior'S Lodging

The remains of the Priory of Our Lady of Thetford, including the Prior's Lodging, are a significant historical site. Founded between 1103 and 1104 by Roger Bigod, the priory was initially established in the Church of St Mary the Greater before moving to its current location in 1107. By 1114, the east end, transepts, and northern parts of the east arm of the cloister were occupied, with most of the structure completed by 1150. An early 13th-century Lady chapel and a late 13th-century extended presbytery were added before the priory was dissolved in 1540. The east window and other minor works were completed by Thomas Aldrych in 1507-1508.

The priory is constructed from flint with ashlar facing and is now roofless. Its layout is based on the design of Cluny II and Castle Acre, featuring a chevet at the east end, twin west towers, an 8-bay aisled nave, and a cloister to the south that includes a conventional arrangement of apartments. The infirmary, located to the southeast, dates to the late 12th century, with an infirmary cloister added in the early 15th century.

The Prior's Lodging, extending to the west, is a square, free-standing structure built around 1300, which was linked to the west front of the priory in the mid-14th century. This two-storey building is also made of flint with ashlar dressings. Although the western lodge has been reduced by half, the barrel-vaulted undercroft with transverse ribs is still visible. The main block features a round, re-used 12th-century arch on engaged columns with scalloped capitals, opposite a north opening. To the west of the arch is a pedestrian entrance with a roll-moulded, re-used 12th-century arch that includes billet decoration and cushion capitals, leading to a staircase. Various 15th-century window embrasures and mid-16th-century three-light brick cross-casements with chamfered surrounds remain, but there is no roof.