St Benets Abbey | Visit East of England

Come by boat, bike, foot or car to a celebration of our common Christian heritage. Traditionally, the Bishop of Norwich, who from an odd quirk of history, remains Abbot of St. Benet’s arrives by wherry to lead and ecumenical service, under open skies in the ruins of the once thriving monastery.

The origins of St Benet’s Abbey are shrouded in uncertainty and coloured by myth. Nothing in this tidal, marshy landscape lasts forever.

What we know for certain is that by the 12th century, with Norfolk at the peak of its wealth and influence, St Benet’s Abbey was a powerful player. In Tudor times, when Henry VIII shut down monasteries across England, St Benet’s was the only one not officially closed. Yet swiftly, most of its buildings vanished, including its centrepiece church.

Volunteer led tours are available throughout the summer, please visit the website for more details. Ruins of ancient Benedictine Abbey founded 1019. The Medieval Gatehouse with 18th century mill built over it is one of the most iconic images of the Broads. Site is open all year and access is free.