Abbey House

Abbey House, formerly known as Ashe Abbey House, is a house that was once believed to be the frater and dorter of the chaplaincy for the Canons of the Priory. It dates back to the 14th century, although the exterior has been significantly remodeled in the 20th century. The interior features a 14th-century raised aisled hall, originally consisting of three bays, although one bay has been demolished, possibly in the 19th century. The building is constructed of red brick with some original stone and has a plain tiled roof. It is two stories tall, with an open hall that has 20th-century dormer windows providing light to the upper part of the hall. The windows are all 20th-century casements, and the entrance door is also from the 20th century, accompanied by a side-light. Inside, there is a remarkable example of 14th-century carpentry, including a cambered tie beam spanning 35 feet that supports octagonal queen posts with finely molded caps and bases, along with braces, struts, and arcaded windbracing. Additionally, there is a plain crown post with a collar and collar purlin, some later panelling, and a four-centred arched stone fireplace. For more details about the structure, refer to "Suffolk Houses" by Eric Sandon and the "Proceedings of the S.I.A. Vol. XXXII 1973" by David Sherlock. The site is also part of a Scheduled Ancient Monument.