Eye Priory, Medieval Benedictine priory in Eye, England
Eye Priory is a medieval priory in England with surviving remains and archaeological foundations. Its most distinctive feature is a 15th-century gatehouse built from flint and stone, now serving as a barn.
The priory was established around 1080 by Robert Malet as a dependent of a Norman abbey. It gained independence in 1385 when King Richard II granted it formal status.
The name reflects the site's Norman heritage, as it was established as a dependency of a French abbey. Visitors today can still observe structural foundations that echo this historical connection.
The site is open and accessible, though the visible remains are minimal and require some imagination to visualize. Reading about the layout beforehand helps visitors better understand what they are viewing.
Excavations in 1926 uncovered a rare 9th-century seal that experts attribute to an early bishop. This artifact ranks among the most significant discoveries made at the site.
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