The grounds of Walsingham Abbey are famous for an unrivalled display of massed snowdrops in February, and also for the spectacular ruins of the mediaeval priory and place of pilgrimage.

Walsingham has a long history of religious pilgrimage, by tradition dating back to the 11th century, but probably even more ancient, with origins in pre-Christian practice. ‘Walsingham’ is also two unspoiled North Norfolk villages, Little, or ‘New’ Walsingham, and Great or ‘Old’ Walsingham; both have a wealth of historic buildings.

The ‘Abbey’ was begun in the 11th century but was not known as such until the late 17th/early 18th century after it became a private house. According to tradition, in 1061, Richeldis de Faverches, the lady of the manor, had visions of the Virgin Mary who showed her the house in Nazareth where the Annunciation took place. Richeldis built a replica of the Holy House at Walsingham which became a place of pilgrimage. A priory was founded at the site in 1153 by Augustinian Canons, which was almost totally destroyed at the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. The ruins that remain include the priory gatehouse, east window, refectory, undercroft, monks’ bath and packhorse bridge.

Following the dissolution of the monasteries and the subsequent demolition, the property which included the remains of the complex of buildings and some nearby farmland, was eventually purchased in the1640s by John Warner, Bishop of Rochester. He never lived there himself, but made a gift of the Walsingham estate to his nephew and secretary, Archdeacon Lee, whose descendants live there today.

A country house was built by the Lee Warner family in the early 18th century, incorporating the prior’s lodgings, infirmary and outbuildings. The ‘modern’ house was built alongside the ruined refectory and the site of the once impressive priory church, of which only the East Window and the footings of the west end remain visible. The house was last substantially remodelled in the early 19th century, with a fashionable landscaped park laid out around it to provide a picturesque setting. It remains a private family home.

Visitors today can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere surrounding the ruins, wildflower meadows, the 20 acres of woodland carpeted with snowdrops in season, and river walks alongside the Stiffkey. The Abbey Grounds host a number of group pilgrimages, including the National Pilgrimage held annually on the late May Bank Holiday.