A quick and easy method to contact the relevant authority/department for issues across a range of council services in Thetford.
History and activities for all ages in a beautiful rural setting.
Thetford has a wealth of historic locations open to the public and with many locations free to visit there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in our rich historical record.
Blomefield, the historian of Norfolk, whose history was published in 1739, tells that the site of the Manor House, being the Earl Warrenne’s seat in Thetford, was where Sir John Wodehouse’s house, commonly called “The King’s House” then stood. He also tells that “Thetford hath been honoured with the presence of many King’s and Queens, several of which used to reside here.
Opening Times:
08:30 – 17:30 Mon-Fri
Entry Fee:
Free to enter
The Cluniac Priory of Our Lady of Thetford has a long and rich history including miracles and murder as well as being the burial place of the earls and dukes of Norfolk for 400 years. Founded in the early 12th century, it owed much of its prosperity to a miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary, whose statue here was discovered to conceal relics of saints, and became a magnet for pilgrims. In 1540 the Priory finally surrendered to King Henry VIII commissioners despite them preparing the burial place for one of his illegitimate sons Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond.
Opening Times:
08:00 – 18:00 Mon-Sun
Entry Fee:
Free to enter
The only surviving remains in England of a priory of Canons of the Holy Sepulchre, who aided pilgrims to Christ’s tomb: the ruined nave of their 14th-century church, later used as a barn. In the 19th Century the grounds were converted into an ornamental garden and grotto.
Opening Times:
All year, daily 10:00 – 17:00 (or dusk, whichever is earlier) Closed 25 December.
Entry Fee:
Free to enter
Thetford Warren Lodge was probably built around 1400 by the Prior of Thetford, to exercise the right of free warren granted to him by the King. This allowed the Prior to hunt small game making it a target for poachers, therefore this defensible lodge was vital in the protection of gamekeepers and hunting parties against armed poachers. Medieval rabbit farms were highly valued and it was not until 18th century that rabbits began to be seen as food for the poor.
Opening Times:
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.
Entry Fee:
Free to enter
Subscribe to our Email Newsletter
