Binham: Priory, Market Cross and Local History

Binham offers visitors several historical perspectives: Binham Priory and its monastic history, the medieval Market Cross, other architectural heritage and a walking route about two 16th-century midwives. The themes range from the history of the monks and the monastic precinct to medieval masonry and the lives of the midwives. This gives you a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: the priory, local history and the themed walking route.

Binham Priory: Monastic History and Exhibition

Binham Priory was founded in 1091 by Peter de Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror. The site is one of the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk. The monastic precinct remains largely intact; its traces include the remains of a watermill and fishponds. This directs attention beyond the ruins to the wider historic precinct and its various features.

A permanent exhibition with graphics and interactive activities is housed in the church and north aisle. It tells the story of the priory and the lives of its monks. Binham Priory also displays artefacts excavated in the monastic precinct in the 1930s. The exhibition and the finds offer different ways to explore the site: one tells its history, while the others are discoveries from the monastic precinct.

Medieval Traces in Binham and the Surrounding Area

Binham Market Cross is one of the best-preserved medieval standing crosses in Norfolk. Westgate Cottage and Abbey House offer two further historical points of interest: Westgate Cottage incorporates reused medieval masonry from Binham Priory, while Abbey House dates from the 16th century. The focus at the cottage is therefore on the materials used, while at Abbey House it is on the building’s date.

Nearby All Saints’ Church in Cockthorpe dates from the 11th century. It broadens the view to include the wider parish of Binham. Together with the Market Cross and the village buildings, it offers a different historical perspective from the Priory, highlighting medieval architectural heritage and traces of later use.

A Walking Route About Two Midwives

The “A Walk of Two Midwives” circular route begins and ends in the village of Binham. It focuses on Mistress Fiske, a midwife who lived in Binham in the 16th century, and Margaret Burwood, who lived in Wells during the same century. The route offers insights into the worlds of the two women and extends the historical focus beyond the priory and its buildings to the lives of two midwives. Check the path conditions before setting out.

Plan Your Visit and Journey

Seasonal daily opening hours are listed for the Priory Church of St Mary and the Holy Cross: 10 am to 5 pm in summer and 10 am to 4 pm in winter. Check the times before your visit. Guided tours of the church and ruins of Binham Priory, lasting about an hour, could be arranged by appointment from May to September. Check in advance whether this option is currently available.

The nearest railway station to Binham Priory Church and Monastic Precinct is Sheringham, 13 miles away. If you plan to travel by train, check current services as you plan your journey. This will help you coordinate your train trip with your planned visits and the church’s seasonal opening hours.

Discover more destinations: Necton, Northwold, Gorleston-On-Sea, Hindolveston, Whissonsett, Castle Acre, Coltishall, Baconsthorpe

For the main travel overview: Norfolk.