Castle Acre Chronicles
from "The Castle Enthusiast," Vol. 2: No. 8, 1996, a publication of "Castles Unlimited" by Lise & Marvin Hull
William the Conqueror brought many capable knights to his new kingdom,
rewarding their service with vast estates and power. Of these, William de Warren
was one of the king's most favored & trusted knights. In recognition of Warenne's
support during the Battle of Hastings in 1066, King
William granted him Norman possessions in over twelve regions of Britain.
While Lewes in Sussex was the primary stronghold,
Warenne erected several other castles including the impressive Castle Acre in
Norfolk.
The first documented reference to a stronghold at Castle Acre is found in the Domesday Book, written some twenty years after the Conquest. By that time, Warenne had erected a country house at Castle Acre, a structure recently uncovered by archaeological excavation. After a mystic experience at Cluny, William de Warenne and his wife, Gundrada, returned to Britain and established a Cluniac Monastery in the outer bailey at Castle Acre. Shortly after, in 1085, Gundrada died in childbirth at Castle Acre.
Warenne was created Earl of Surrey in 1088, but died a few months later during a siege at Pevensey Castle. Castle Acre remained in the hands of the Warennes for the next 250 years. It passed to their eldest son, William II, who played a controversial role during the reign of Henry I, seeking to overthrow his king, then upon receiving Henry's pardon, became a loyal subject. William, the second Earl of Surrey, created much of what remains at Castle Acre: an interesting motte and bailey fortress with an unusual keep ringed with an earthworks which which held a village, as well as construction of a new priory about a quarter of a mile away.
In 1138, William II died leaving his properties to his son, William III, who made changes to the castle. In 1148, William III was killed fighting in the Second Crusade. Castle Acre and the other estate passed to Isabel, the third Earl's daughter.
Castle Acre Priory: William and Gundrada de Warren
The powerful connection between the feudal lord and his church was symbolized at Castle Acre where the Norman castle and Cluniac priory were closely associated. The site where the priory is now located is less than a quarter mile from the castle outside the medieval town precincts; the original priory, however, was built inside the castle's outer bailey. Like the nearby castle, the Priory lies in ruins: the victim of both time and the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII.
The Priory at Castle Acre is an extensive and scenic site. During the Middle Ages, it was an impressive monastic building as indicated by the elaborately carved west church-front. In the 11th Century, William de Warren, one of the great Norman knights of his time, visited the Abbey of Cluny in France with his wife Gundrada. Inspired by a mystical experience at Cluny, the de Warennes established a smaller version of the Cluniac order in Britain. The first Cluniac priory (St. Prancras) was built at Lewes in Sussex; while a daughter house was founded at Castle Acre.
By 1090, William de Warren had died and his son, William II, had relocated the priory to the present site along the River Nar. By the late 13th century, the priory had accumulated vast debts. By 1351, the priory was in decline. [Raby:1986] In 1537, Castle Acre Priory was surrendered to Henry VIII with the Prior retaining his lodgings. Ownership was later granted to the Duke of Norfolk.
Although much of the site is in ruins, Castle Acre Priory offers an excellent opportunity to explore a medieval monastery. This complex of buildings is in excellent condition today having been rebuilt over the succeeding centuries. The large church has a beautifully carved west facade with intricate arcading and fine moldings. Remnants of tall towers, dramatic windows and stairways are a reminder of past glory. The sacristy still has its fireplaces and monks' quarters. A Lady Chapel and high altar may also be spotted among the ruins. Alongside the church are cloister foundations, ruins of the chapter house, the infirmary, monks' dormitory, the frater, kitchens, and prior's chamber, the warming room and the reredorter.
Castle Acre stands as a reminder of the Norman invasion which brought change to Saxon Britain.
Bibliography:
"Castle Acre Castle & Priory" in "The Castle Enthusiast," Vol. 2, No. 8, Lise & Marvin Hull, 1996.
"The Norman Heritage: 1066-1200," Trevor Rowley; London, Boston, Melbourne & Henley: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1983.
"1066: The Year of the Conquest," David Howarth, New York: Barnes & Noble, 1993
"Lewes Castle:Sussex, England" by Lise Hull, "Castles Unlimited," 1999.
UK Web Site: "The Historic Town of Battle" http://www.battletown,co.uk
Sussex Archaeological Society, 169 High St., Lewes, Sussex BN7 1YE