The Refectory

The Refectory is part of the former Benedictine priory, now a house, dating back to the 12th century. It has undergone alterations in the 14th, 16th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The building is constructed of flint and rubble with brick dressings, and has an old tile roof. It is two storeys high with attics. The north front includes one early 14th-century round-headed arch; the remaining two arches are now located on the adjoining property, The Cloisters. To the right of the arch is an irregular section with brick infill panels and mostly 2 and 3-light 20th-century casement windows. Modern roof lights are present. A 20th-century entrance door and casements are located on the west gable. The south front features 20th-century leaded casements and two 3-light windows on the first floor, and one 3-light window on the ground floor. The interior contains a fine late medieval roof, comprising six bays of large arch-braced collar roof trusses with moulded and chamfered braces. A reused spandrel of a later medieval fireplace, featuring rose carvings, is embedded within a wall and now sits at first-floor level. The building is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument.