Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk

Castle Acre Priory is believed to have been founded in 1089 by William de Warenne the son the 1st Earl of Surrey who had founded England's first Cluniac priory at Lewes in 1077. The order originated from Burgundy. Originally the priory was sited within the walls of Castle Acre Castle, but this proved too small and inconvenient for the monks and the priory was relocated to the present site in the castle grounds.

The church itself was consecrated sometime between 1146 and 1148. Like other Cluniac houses, Castle Acre Priory was directly subject to the authority of the Abbot of Cluny in France. This obedience owed to a foreign abbot caused difficulties when the kings of England were at odds with France and/or Burgundy. In the mid 14th century the English Cluniacs settled this difficulty by buying a special legal recognition from the king as 'native' religious houses. The priory was home to some 20 to 30 monks.

The nave of the church is one of the oldest parts of the ruin. Further additions continued to be added up until the priory was dissolved in 1537 under Henry VIII, and when the King gave the dissolved priory to the Duke of Norfolk complete with its estates, the remaining monks were turned out.

Opening Times

Opening days and times vary throughout the year. Please check on the website.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £5.60
Children: £3.40
Concessions: £5.00
Family Ticket: £14.60
EH Member: Free

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Disabled Facilities

Toilets: Not adapted for wheelchairs; 50m from entrance, with single step for access.
Exhibition: Level access.
Shop: Level access, but there are steps inside.

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More Information

Telephone: 01760 755394

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