History of Walsingham Abbey

By Steve Willimott

The Monastery at Walsingham was always a Priory. However in the late 17th or early 18th century the large house on the site, which had started life as the Prior's house but had by then become a mansion, became known as “The Abbey” The house is still called The Abbey and the surrounding grounds which contain lawns and parkland as well as the remaining ruins, are still known as the Abbey grounds.

The main focus of attention within the grounds are the remains of the Priory. Of the original Priory Church, only the great East window and piers of the West Tower remain. However the Abbey Grounds also contain the remains of the refectory, and the crypt or warming room. Additionally there are the famous twin wells, and the Pack Horse bridge, which was originally on the main road to Norwich.

Excavations in the 1960's revealed the location of the original Holy House, which later had a larger chapel built over it to preserve it, to be just north of the nave, a short distance to the west of the East Window arch. A small wooden plaque set in the grass now marks this site.
At all times of the year the grounds make a pleasant and peaceful walk but in early spring the ground is covered in snowdrops and is a site not to be missed.

Entrance to the Abbey grounds is through the Shirehall.