At Binham, the focus is not only on the ruins of a priory: the monastic precinct, an exhibition, a medieval standing cross and a walking route each offer a different historical perspective. Binham Priory was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror. The priory is among the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk. During your stay, you can choose between the history of its buildings and monastic life, archaeological traces, and the life stories of two midwives.
Binham Priory and its monastic precinct
The monastic precinct of Binham Priory has remained largely intact. Its traces include the remains of a watermill and fishponds. The historical perspective therefore extends beyond the ruins themselves: the layout of the precinct and evidence of its former use are also part of the site. This offers a different way to explore the place than focusing on a single building, making the monastic precinct a distinct highlight of your visit.
Binham Market Cross is also a notable medieval landmark. It is one of the best-preserved medieval standing crosses in Norfolk. Binham brings different kinds of history together: the priory with its largely intact precinct, and a standing cross whose significance lies in its medieval origins and preservation.
Exhibition, finds and further architectural traces
A permanent exhibition in the church and the priory’s north aisle presents the history of Binham Priory and the lives of its monks. It uses graphics and interactive activities. Artefacts excavated in the monastic precinct in the 1930s are also on display. The exhibition and the finds offer two distinct ways to explore the site: one presents the priory’s history, while the others are objects discovered during excavations in its precinct.
Further historical traces can be seen in the buildings described here: Westgate Cottage contains reused medieval masonry from Binham Priory, while Abbey House dates from the 16th century. Nearby, in Cockthorpe, stands the 11th-century All Saints’ Church. These examples differ in their connection to the priory and in their age. Cockthorpe broadens the picture of Binham to include a nearby place within the wider parish context.
A walking route about two midwives
“A Walk of Two Midwives” begins and ends in the village of Binham. The route offers a glimpse into the world of Mistress Fiske, a midwife who lived in Binham in the 16th century, and Margaret Burwood, a midwife from Wells who also lived in the 16th century. Their different places of residence give a specific geographical distinction to the same historical period. The walk therefore offers a different way to explore the past than the architectural history of the priory. Check the path conditions before setting out.
Plan your visit and journey
Guided tours of around one hour of the Priory Church of St Mary and the Holy Cross and the ruins of Binham Priory could be arranged by appointment from May to September. If you would like to include a tour in your plans, ask in advance what is available for your chosen date. This lets you include a visit in your plans without assuming that a tour is available on every date.
For guidance on travelling to the priory: the nearest railway station to Binham Priory Church and Monastic Precinct is Sheringham, 13 miles away. Check train services for your travel date and plan your onward journey from there to suit your stay. Train information can change. When looking for a hotel in Binham, you can first decide whether to focus your stay on the priory and its exhibition or on the walking route; each offers a different perspective on the village’s history.
Discover more destinations: Broome, Sedgeford, Roughton, Attleborough, Tharston, Scole, Watton, Brancaster.
For the wider travel overview: Norfolk.
