Priory of St Mary in the Meadow, Beeston Regis

Priory of St Mary in the Meadow is a roofless religious foundation containing the remains of a long nave leading to the chancel, flanked by north and south transepts that reveal the original monastic layout. The standing walls and foundations outline the structure of this once-important house of canons.

Margery de Cressy founded the priory in 1216 as a home for four Augustinian canons following the rule of St Augustine. The foundation became an important religious center in the Norfolk landscape over the following centuries.

The canons served as parish priests for surrounding churches and ran a school that drew students from the region. Their presence shaped local religious and educational life for centuries.

The ruins are accessible during daylight hours year-round, with signs directing visitors from the nearby A149 road. The site is open to visitors at no charge, though the uneven ground and low wall edges require careful footing.

The priory contains some of the earliest medieval brick structures found still in their original location across Norfolk, including preserved 14th-century arcading. This early use of brick rather than stone reveals building techniques of the period.