Greyfriars Tower In Tower Gardens

TF6219NW 610-1/10/233

KING'S LYNN ST JAMES' STREET (South side) Greyfriars Tower in Tower Gardens

(Formerly listed as: ST JAMES' STREET (South side) Greyfriars Tower)

01/12/51

GV

I Central crossing tower of the Church of St Francis Priory, of the Greyfriars Order. Founded c.1230, enlarged c.1300, tower late C14 on C13 masonry courses. Brick and carstone with ashlar dressings. Mendicant plan of a passageway under tower from north to south, conventional east-west chancel and nave arches also. Base comprises crossing piers, C13. Buttresses formed from nave and chancel walls, with set-offs. East and west arches of stone with wave, hollow and roll moulded piers on low polygonal bases. Polygonal capitals and triple-chamfered pointed arches. Staircase within north-east pier. Gabled elements to north and south, roofed with stone slabs, slope up to octagonal two-stage tower, the staircase turret continuing. Between each facet are stepped ashlar buttresses. First stage with two-light transomed Perpendicular windows to each face with cusped ogee heads. Second-stage windows similar but simpler in design. Crenellated parapet enriched with cusped arcading. This tower is the best surviving Mendicant tower in the country exhibiting the under-tower north-south passage, with the exception of St Andrew's, Norwich. Scheduled Ancient Monument. Listing NGR: TF6201219787