The Priory

The Priory is a Grade I listed building located on Water Street in Lavenham. Originally constructed in the 15th century, it has undergone various alterations and additions over the years. The building is set back slightly from the street and is adjacent to the cross wing of No 68 on the west side, with a brick wall approximately 6 feet high protecting the front.

The original structure featured a main block with a cross wing at the western end, but the main block is now obscured by the cross wing of No 68 and another gabled wing to the west. The roofs are tiled, and the building consists of two storeys. The timber-framing is exposed on the west side of the central gabled wing and part of the upper storey of the west side of the cross wing. The cross wing has a jettied upper storey on the north gabled front, showcasing exposed joists, an embattled bressumer, and intricately carved bargeboards and bressumer at the gable. There are remnants of elaborate floral pargetting similar to that found on No 68. The windows are primarily double-hung sashes with glazing bars, and there are some blocked original windows located under the eaves. It is noted that Nos 68 and 69 were once part of a larger building known as the Priory, originally owned by the Priory of Earles Colne in Essex.