Creake Abbey

The site at Creake, originally an almshouse for the poor, was founded by the Augustinians as a priory, before having its status elevated to that of an abbey in 1231. Despite this promotion, Creake Abbey was never a wealthy abbey. Moreover, it suffered two uncanny disasters that, inevitably, brought about its early suppression.

Some time during the latter half of the 15th century, a fire swept through the monastery, causing devastation to the abbey church and several of the conventual buildings. The abbey church was never fully restored, probably due to lack of finances. The second catastrophe occurred less than 20 years later, when a fatal epidemic completely wiped out the community at Creake Abbey and, therefore, religious life having ceased, the abbey site was gifted to Lady Margaret Beaufort in 1507.

A few sections of the church walls, in their distinct flintwork dressing, remain standing to a good height, and there are smatterings of stone carved details in the window arches and doorways. However, little else survives apart from foundations.

Finding Creake Abbey, close to the deserted northern coast of Norfolk, was an unexpected delight. Unlike the former abbey, the grounds are well-maintained and this superbly tranquil spot, surrounded only by farmlands, provides a perfect place for clearing the mind and enjoying some of Mother Nature's simple pleasures.