THE ABBEY GROUNDS

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.

THE SHIREHALL MUSEUM

The building, built in the early 16^th century, was used as a hostel for important visitors as it was only 80 feet away from the Priory church. Originally there were two stories with stained glass windows and an open timber framed roof. In the 1770’s, it was converted into the Shirehall for the quarter sessions, which were held here from 1778 until 1861; the petty sessions continued until 1971.

The courtroom has survived unaltered since it was last used and is now part of the ‘hands-on’ museum, which includes a comprehensive display on Walsingham as a place of pilgrimage since 1061, as well as local artefacts and photographs. The building also houses local tourist information and a well-stocked gift shop.

The Bridewell House of Correction

The Bridewell, or prison, was built in 1787 on the site of the Old Leper Hospital. The building was enlarged in 1822, when the number of cells was increased from 8 to 24, and again in 1823 with the installation of 5 treadmills, used for grinding corn and as a method of punishment for inmates.

From 1836, the prison implemented the ‘silent system’, the aim being to prevent prisoners from communicating with each other. The prison closed in 1861 and has survived virtually untouched. It is now open to the public - the key can be borrowed from the Shirehall Museum during the season or from the Estate Office out of season.

OPENING TIMES

Entry to the Abbey Grounds is through the Shirehall Museum, both of which are open 10.00 am – 4.30 pm seven days a week from the beginning of April until the end of October and every weekend from the end of October until Christmas. Out of season, the entrance to the grounds is through the Estate Office, next door to the Shirehall, during usual office hours.

For further information or details of admission prices, please phone the Shirehall Museum and Tourist Information on (01328) 820510 or the Walsingham Estate Office on (01328) 820259.

SNOWDROP SEASON

During the Snowdrop season, usually around late January and February, the Abbey Grounds are carpeted with a large variety of snowdrops, producing a breath taking and unequalled display.

The grounds are open for snowdrop walks from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, seven days a week. To check when the snowdrops will be at their best and precise opening dates and times, please telephone the Walsingham Estate Office on (01328) 820259.