This historic Grade 2* listed house is situated on the site of a Benedictine Priory, destroyed by Henry V111 in the 16C. The Abbey is an exact replica of a Chateaux built by the Benedictines in France, which still stands. The Abbey was the Prior's lodging and was spared from Henry V111's trail of destruction.
The gardens are also delightful and many an hour could be spent enjoying the water meadows, spotting black rabbits or picking apples. The Abbey has extensive grounds and remains of the Priory's Guest House are close by. However the house is also light, spacious and comfortable, and guests are sure to feel at home here. Jester, our soft Irish Wolfhound, will make you feel very safe here too!
We have several rooms and comfortable bathrooms with plenty of hot water. Bedrooms are not ensuite. Breakfast is served in the kitchen on our long table which can seat up to 20!
Eye is close by (2 minute drive) and there are several restaurants and pubs in the area that we can recommend. Eye is a lovely town and a fantastic base to explore this part of Suffolk, given its proximity to the Coast, to Bury, Diss and Ipswich, as well as Thornham Magna and their stunning woods.
Some history
The Priory of St Peter, Eye, is a monastic complex founded in 1080 by Robert Malet, a Norman Baron, in memory of his father William Malet, who fought William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. It was a Benedictine Abbey and the church was a mirror image to Bernay Abbey in Normandy. The Priors were appointed in France and subsidies were paid to Bernay. There are plans and drawings of the Priory held by the current owner, and the original Benedictine walk beside the Church is still clearly visible.
In 1137 King Stephen granted a charter to Eye Priory - a grand document now in the British Museum, a copy and translation of which can be seen at the Abbey.
In 1385 King Richard 11 granted another Charter that freed Eye Priory from French control and thus the burden of taxes paid to Bernay. The Benedictines were connected to a monastery at Dunwich on the Suffolk coast, and this had been washed into the sea, so their income was much reduced.
With the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, the Priory was granted to Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and the fabric of the magnificant - and substantial - Church was pillaged in the manner of so many other Catholic churches. The Priors Lodging - the Abbey - which was attached to the Church, was spared.
The brick facade on the Abbey hides a medieval stone and timbered buildings, but these can clearly be seen in other parts of the house. Nearby a brick farm building was also built for the Priory in the early 16C and was known as The Guest House. It was also thought to house stables and a brewing complex (alas no longer operational!).
In 1538 Charles Brandon sold back to the Crown the whole of the Honour of Eye and Eye Priory and it stayed in Royal hands throughout the Tudor period.
In 1650 a Parliamentary Survey shows the complex was known as Eye Priory Manor, and later as Eye Hall. In 1701 the property was mentioned as Eye Abbey and some years later as Abbey Farm.
You too can be part of the long history of the Abbey by staying with us!
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