English Heritage - Creake Abbey
Creake Abbey probably had its origins in 1206 when Sir Robert and Lady Alice de Nerford established the small chapel of St Mary of the Meadows at Lingerescroft, bordering the tiny River Burn.
In 1217 they founded the Hospital of St Bartholomew there and when the establishment embraced the rule of St Augustine the chapel became a priory, prompting extensions to both the church and priory buildings.
In 1225 Henry III elevated the priory to abbey status and it benefited from many generous donations, but a fire in around 1484 left the abbot at Creake petitioning the king for help.
Despite gifts from Richard III and a bequest by Sir William Calthorpe, the nave and parts of the transepts were demolished, reducing the house once more to a modest church.
Early in the 16th century the abbey was devastated by the plague and when the abbot died, alone, on 12 December 1506, the abbey reverted to the Crown.
Contact
- Telephone
- 0370 333 1181 0370 333 1181
- Website
- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/creake-abbey
- Scan to visit this website
- Parent Organisation
- English Heritage
Where to go
- Name
- Creake Abbey
- Address
-
Burnham Road
North Creake
Fakenham
- Postcode
- NR21 9LF
- View NR21 9LF on a map
- Notes
Parking: There is a grassed area for parking, accessed via the left fork on the main drive, signposted 'Abbey Ruins'.
Access: The abbey is accessed via a gate that is suitable for wheelchair users.
Facilities: English Heritage has no facilities at the abbey but it is next to a courtyard with a café and food hall, and boutique shops, studios and accessible toilets. In addition, on the first Saturday of the month, the courtyard and adjacent barns host an award-winning farmers' market. The courtyard is accessed via the right fork on the main drive, signposted 'Shops & Café'. Visit Creake Abbey's website for more details.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Related Services
Last Updated: 10 July 2023