 Castle Acre Priory
The first Cluniac priory in England was founded at Lewes by the first
Earl of Surrey in 1077, and it is believed that it was his son who founded
Castle Acre Priory in 1089. Originally, the priory was sited within
the castle walls but this proved both small and inconvenient for the
monks, and they relocated to the present site about one year later.
Among the ruinous walls and towers of this extensive site, there are superb examples of rich
mouldings, blind arcading and ornate carved detail, absolutely typical
of late Norman architecture. Although most of the ashlar facing has
been stripped from the walls and piers of the church, and nothing substantial
has survived beyond the crossing to the east end, the West Front stands
almost to full height and retains much of its magnificent decoration.
Around the 100ft (30.3m) square cloister, many of the usual claustral buildings are evident by their remaining
external walls. The long dormitory has survived to show many of the windows,
and the existing pier bases in the undercroft suggest it was vaulted.
Substantial remains of the large reredorter, spanning the stream
at the southern edge of the site, can also be seen showing clearly the
flushing and drainage system used at this medieval monastery.
Despite several alterations and extensions to the original building, the prior's lodging and his
chapel are still very impressive, and many medieval features remain
in the converted dwelling house. Resembling a spacious mansion house,
this 15th century building certainly gives weight to the fact that the
Cluniac houses acquired a reputation for being extravagant on the one
hand, and lacking in monastic discipline on the other. Despite
Castle Acre Priory's Dissolution in 1537, the prior's lodging continued to be
used, with more structural alterations and internal additions, well
into the 18th century.
Castle Acre Priory presents an image of contrasts: there's such splendid detail and completeness
in some of the buildings, yet much of the ruinous site comprises little
more than strange, craggy lumps of flint, almost unrecognisable;
there's a distinct 'monastic' presence, yet the apparent opulence is more
in keeping with a grand old manor house; and, finally, there is
plenty of evidence of different building periods, yet the detailed history
of Castle Acre Priory appears very sketchy.
With the attractive ruins of Castle Acre Priory set in Norfolk, a county renowned for its
'gentleness' and less-hurried pace of life, this provides a perfect combination
for the visitor seeking a place of calm and serenity. This must be a welcome
refuge, if only temporarily, from today's fast-moving world. |
