The Priory Church of St Mary and the Holy Cross,

Binham

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Binham Priory Access and Conservation Project

Final Report June 2009

"Binham Priory is a wonderful site and provides the most astonishing picture of an early Benedictine institution as well as a quite beautiful set of buildings in its own right."

Sara Crofts, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

After over six years the project to improve physical access and understanding of the whole Priory site, together with the conservation of the medieval gatehouse structure, precinct wall and features of the north aisle wall, has been completed.

On Sunday 17th May the Bishop of Norwich led the congregation of over two hundred in a service of thanksgiving. In his sermon he stressed the importance of the parish church as belonging to all parishioners. The contributions and support of the project by a vast number of individuals and local organisations testify to the special affection so many have for the Priory. As well as all the local support the project could not have been implemented without the very generous grants from Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and many other funding agencies.

The Project Team would like to record our sincere thanks to everyone who has played any part in bringing the works to completion. We hope you all regard the effort as worthwhile.

The 12th century building now has 21st century additions created by talented designers and craftsmen. The challenge of the future is to ensure that the Priory is maintained in good condition as a spiritual site for worship, enlightenment and enjoyment, open to all in the best tradition of the Benedictine monks who built it nine hundred years ago. We hope all who read this final report will encourage their friends to visit this national treasure on our doorsteps.

We are delighted that the project has been very well received by the community and visitors, a tribute to all the professionals and craftsmen involved. Our visitor's book is full of very appreciate comments and the quality of the design and workmanship has been acknowledged by the project winning three awards:
The 2009 Graham Allen Award for Conservation and Design, presented by North Norfolk District Council
The Norfolk Campaign for the Protection of Rural England 2009 award for Architecture
Runner-up in the Royal Institute of British Architects, East of England award for the Spirit of Ingenuity in the Heritage section.

 

David Frost




Binham PrioryTrust is registered as a charity number 1048168.

The Norfolk Archaeological Trust is registered as a charity number 274604 and as a company limited by guarantee registered in England number 191668.