Pictures of Binham Priory

in the town of Binham, in the county of Norfolk

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About Binham Priory

Binham Priory is thought to have been built during the 12th-century by Pierre de Valoines a nephew of William the Conqueror. The layout of the abbey building is reasonably clear, but the main fragment to survive intact is the west end of the monastic church, which is now used as a parish church.

The position of the priory is magnificent, it is set on a rolling landscape beneath soft Norfolk skies, and the sight of it is at once both awe-inspiring and majestic. Glimpsing at the relics of the former building, preserved around the existing church, you get a picture in your mind of what this once great priory must have looked like all those centuries ago, before Henry's Dissolution laid hand upon it.

Documentary evidence supports the fact that the impressive west front was built between 1226 and 1224, and the decoration with its arcading, small columns, and dog-tooth ornament, confirms building dating to 1230. The unusually large window with its geometric tracery was probably added at a later date. The building as a whole is of immense architectural value and is important as a house of the Lord, providing a wonderful place of calm for spiritual worship.

Binham Priory has a magnificent serene interior consisting of the first seven bays of the original Priory Church without the aisles. The nave arcade has richly decorated arches with zig-zag and billet mouldings, these continue to the western end, where the style changes and the arches are pointed and ribbed. This is a church that shows clearly the change from Norman style to Early English.

Of the treasures to be seen in Binham Priory is an impressive Perpendicular seven sacrament font, and the stalls have misericords. The remains of the former Rood screen can be seen at the back of the Church. Following the Reformation, this was painted over with black letter text from Crammer's Bible of 1539.

Lurid tales of scandal surrounding the monk's of Binham descend from the 14th-century. The monks are said to have continuously quarrelled with the mother-house, sold the silver, wasted money, and generally indulged in unseemly behaviour. William de Sommerton, raised vast sums by selling of the most priceless pieces, and then managed to leave the order heavily in debt.

Another legend tells of Alexander de Langley, Prior of Wymondham who is said to have become insane. He was sent to Binham where he later died as the result of much ill treatment. He is believed to lie buried on the north side of the church.

Today, this beautiful Priory Church dedicated to St.Mary and the Holy Cross, save for the scattered ruins shows little sign of its turbulent past. It is a tranquil atmospheric spot, and a truly beautiful church where you can sometimes attend outside service, or simply spend a few moments in quiet contemplation.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Binham Priory.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Binham Priory

Holkham Hall	(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction W)	Pictures
Holt Woodlands Country Park	(6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction E)	Pictures
Stody Lodge Gardens	(7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction SE)	Pictures
The Muckleburgh Military Collection	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction E)	Pictures
Mannington Hall & Gardens	(11.3 miles, 18.2 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Felbrigg Hall	(13.4 miles, 21.6 km, direction E)	Pictures
Blickling Hall	(14.3 miles, 23.0 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Dinosaur Adventure Park	(16.1 miles, 25.9 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Bishop Bonner's Cottage	(16.7 miles, 26.9 km, direction S)	Pictures
Castle Acre Castle	(18.3 miles, 29.4 km, direction SW)	Pictures

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Recommended towns near Binham Priory

Binham, in the county of Norfolk (0.4 miles, 0.6 km)
This gorgeous village is set in a peaceful valley inland from Stiffkey, it is renowned for the romantic ruins of a great Benedictine monastery, founded by the side of the Stiffkey River in 1090.
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Blakeney, in the county of Norfolk (3.7 miles, 5.9 km, direction NE)
The 100ft tower rising above the Church of St.Nicholas is a landmark that can be seen for miles around. At the eastern end of the church, a smaller tower acts as a beacon to guide vessels to the safety of Blakeney Harbour.
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Great Snoring, in the county of Norfolk (4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction SW)
There are two Snoring villages, Little and Great Snoring, between them they share one of the many quaint names in which Norfolk abounds.
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Wells-next-the-Sea, in the county of Norfolk (4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction NW)
This is an enchanting seaside resort with old houses, shops and pubs lining the maze of narrow streets leading to the quayside.
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Cley next the Sea, in the county of Norfolk (4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction NE)
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Little Snoring, in the county of Norfolk (5.1 miles, 8.1 km, direction S)
There are two Snoring villages, Little and Great Snoring, between them they share one of the many quaint names in which Norfolk abounds.
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Salthouse, in the county of Norfolk (6.6 miles, 10.6 km, direction E)
The village is renowned as a haven for wildlife, it is the place to go in winter if you want to see a good migratory flock of Snowbuntings, and other migratory birds who invade the area in vast numbers.
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Burnham Overy Staithe, in the county of Norfolk (8.8 miles, 14.1 km, direction W)
Lying on the broad expanse between Hunstanton and Stiffkey Marshes, is the delightful sailing village of Burnham Overy Staithe from which there are spectacular views towards Scolt Head Island.
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Burnham Market, a Picturesque Village in the county of Norfolk (9.2 miles, 14.7 km, direction W)
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Sheringham, in the county of Norfolk (11.3 miles, 18.2 km, direction E)
This delightful resort grew up from what was once a small fishing village, some of the old cottages belonging to the fisher-folk of yester-year still survive close to the shore at the far end of the town.
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Nearby travel help

Sheringham Station	(11.4 miles, 18.3 km, direction E)
West Runton Station	(12.7 miles, 20.4 km, direction E)
Norwich Airport	(22.5 miles, 36.1 km, direction SE)
A1(M) Junction 17	(59.0 miles, 95.0 km, direction SW)
Cambridge Airport	(59.2 miles, 95.3 km, direction SW)
A1(M) Junction 17	(59.5 miles, 95.7 km, direction SW)
Binham Priory to London	(107.8 miles, 173.5 km, direction SW)

Accommodation & Hotels near Binham Priory

Hotel Name
The Crown Hotel	(7.6 miles, 12.2 km, direction SW)
The Wensum Lodge Hotel	(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction SW)
Sculthorpe Mill	(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction SW)
Maltings Hotel	(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction E)
Felbrigg Lodge	(13.1 miles, 21.0 km, direction E)
Old Brewery House Hotel	(13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction SE)
The Kings Head Hotel	(14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction W)
The Old Coach House	(15.6 miles, 25.1 km, direction W)
Green Farm Hotel And Restaurant	(16.5 miles, 26.5 km, direction E)
Hill House	(16.7 miles, 26.8 km, direction S)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts