10 things you didn’t know about Walsingham Abbey Priory
Known for its large ruins, extensive religious history of pilgrimages and unrivalled woodland here are 10 things you didn’t know about Walsingham abbey Priory, one of Norfolk’s most famous medieval grounds.
Name confusion
First on our 10 things you didn’t know about Walsingham Abbey is that despite most referring to it as an abbey it is actually a medieval priory.
Fame
Walsingham abbey Priory was regarded as one of the most famous places in England during medieval times.
History
The abbey dates to the 11 Century but some argue Walsingham abbey Priory could pre-date pre-Christian times.
Law and Order
Next up on our ten things you didn’t know about Walsingham Abbey is that in the 1770’s it was used as a court house and court room.
Underground
You can borrow the keys from the Shire Museum/ Estate Office at Walsingham abbey Priory and go down into the bowels of The Walsingham Bridewell House of Correction which was closed in 1861 and remain virtually untouched. Do you dare?
Woodland
Another entry on our ten things you didn’t know about Walsingham abbey Priory is that surrounding the ruins is 20 acres of stunning Norfolk woodland and river walks.
Holy Vision
Walsingham abbey Priory was built because a woman had a vision that she saw the Virgin Mary in that spot. A wooden replica of the Holy Family was build and the Priory was founded.
1000 years
Our 8th admission on 10 things you didn’t know about Walsingham abbey Priory. For over some 1000 years The Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham has drawn visitors to the site.
Royalty
Many monarchs have completed a pilgrimage to Walsingham abbey Priory to see The Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham but despite this Henry VIII chose to dissolve The abbey in 1538. A mansion was built in its place. That’s after protestor Nicholas Mitcham was hung outside The abbey Gates of course!
Snow Drops
The last entry on our ten things you didn’t know about Walsingham abbey Priory is that other than the religious history it is famed for it’s ‘carpets’ of snow drops which cover the area every February.
With it’s rich and colourful history, and religious past we bet you didn’t know many of the entries on our ten things you didn’t know about Walsingham abbey Priory, we certainly didn’t!
While you’re in Norfolk, have a read of our Journal for more inspirational activities.