What Is Castle Acre Priory?

The Castle Acre Priory is basically a Priory in the village of Castle Acre located in Norfolk England. It was found in the year 1089 by the son of the 1st Earl of Surrey William de Warenne. Only the ruins of the Priory are left today which are managed by English Heritage.

The Castle Acre Priory is located a quarter of a mile from Castle Acre village, five miles north of Swaffham, Norfolk, England.  Castle Acre is a beautiful village and one of the oldest in the county, a great example of the way the Norman's planned their vast estates.  There is a guided audio tour that explains the life of the monks at the priory and visitors can see the chapter house, refectory and cloister while they are there.  The priory's façade is still standing the way it was the day it was finished.  There is a herb garden and the earthworks of the castle are close to the priory.

Historians believe that the priory was built in 1089 by the son of the first Earl of Surrey.  It was originally located inside the castle's walls, but the monks preferred more privacy and had it moved to its present site.  It is believed the church was blessed somewhere between 1146 and 1148.  The churches nave is one of the oldest sections of the priory and it had been added to over the centuries until Henry the VIII dissolved the priory.  The Duke of Norfolk took over the property and evicted the monks.

The ruins are now the property of the Earl of Leicester.  The same family also owns the Castle Acres castle.  The west front of the building is almost complete with very little out of place.  The prior's lodgings are in the same condition.  The historical sites in the area are all under the care of English Heritage.

It's In norfork .. Hers a link to a page all about it :)

www.english-heritage.org.uk