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The Abbey, Eye

This monastic complex was founded in 1080 as the Priory of St Peter, Eye, by Robert Malet, a Norman baron, in memory of his father, William Malet, who fought with William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. It was a Benedictine priory and the church was designed as a mirror image of Bernay Abbey in Normandy, France. The ground plan and photographs of Bernay are on display at The Abbey. In 1137 King Stephen granted a charter to Eye Priory - a grand document which is now in the British Museum. A copy and translation can be seen at the Abbey. This complex which had been granted to Thomas a Becket was only returned to the crown after his murder in December 1170. In 1385 King Richard II granted another charter, which freed the priory from French control and thus the burden of subsidies, as their income had been greatly reduced. With the dissolution of the monasteries in 1537, the complex was granted to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and the fabric of the magnificent church was pillaged. The prior's lodgings attached to the church were spared and are now called The Abbey. The brick façade hides a medieval stone and timbered building. The large garden features in many magazines with its courtyards and remains of the church and priory. Visitors are welcome to view the garden and glasshouses.

Tour approx 2-2½ hours, £13 including tea, coffee or cold drinks and biscuits. Bed and breakfast by appointment, tel: 01379 870263

To book, call the Mercury Theatre on 01206 573948
or book on-line at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk. 

Other nearby properties:

29.   Linden House, Eye
46.   Wingfield College

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