Thetford Warren Lodge
Has been described as a Possible Pele Tower
There are major building remains
| Name | Thetford Warren Lodge |
| Alternative Names | |
| Historic Country | Norfolk |
| Modern Authority | Norfolk |
| 1974 Authority | Norfolk |
| Civil Parish | Thetford |
Thetford Warren Lodge is a rectangular building of two storeys measuring circa 8.5m NNE-SSW by 5.8m. The walls, which stand for the most part to almost their full original height and are up to 1m thick at ground floor level, are constructed of mortared flint rubble with some brick and tile and with limestone dressings which include many reused architectural fragments of C12 type. The floor of the upper storey no longer survives. Thetford Warren Lodge is generally considered to have been built circa 1400, and to have been occupied by the gamekeeper of the Cluniac Priory of St Mary, Thetford. The character of the building is indicative of high status, and its interior features and fittings are consistent with it having been intended as a hunting lodge to accommodate hunting parties rather than a gamekeeper alone. (PastScape)
Thetford Warren Lodge retains many original features and is a rare example of its kind. It is a rectangular tower-house built of mortared flint rubble and reused stones, some of which are reddened and were probably removed from the nearby priory after a fire. The walls were substantial – up to 1 metre thick at floor level – and stand for the most part to almost their original height. The limestone dressings also include many reused 12th century architectural fragments. The level of the upper storey is marked by an offset on the interior face of the walls. The lodge had numerous defensive features, including a parapet from which the gamekeeper could look out over what was then open country. The lower windows are narrow loops and the single entrance has a meutrière or murder-hole – a chute over the porch down which missiles and boiling liquids could be delivered onto unwelcome visitors. (English Heritage web site)
This site is a scheduled monument protected by law
This is a Grade 2* listed building protected by law
Historic England Scheduled Monument Number
Historic England Listed Building number(s)
Images Of England
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
| OS Map Grid Reference | TL839840 |
| Latitude | 52.4236183166504 |
| Longitude | 0.703580021858215 |
| Eastings | 583930 |
| Northings | 284060 |
