Abbot of Ely's fortified house in Norwich

Has been described as a Possible Fortified Town House

There are no visible remains

NameAbbot of Ely's fortified house in Norwich
Alternative Names
Historic CountryNorfolk
Modern AuthorityNorfolk
1974 AuthorityNorfolk
Civil ParishNorwich

The abbot of Ely had a fortified house in Norwich in 1082. (Renn)

{1082.} 153. Precept by Wilham I to Abp. Lanfranc, Gosfrid Bp. of Coutances, and Count Robert of Mortain.

That {Simeon} the Abbot of Ely have his benediction forthwith and his lands and customs, as the King has frequently commanded by his letters. Whatever part of his demesne the Abbot acquires by legal process, he is to alienate it to no one without the royal licence. 'Et sede placitorum ei facite rectum defendentes ut us eius incidat siluas.' The Abbot is to have his fortified house in Norwich, and his men may be there when they have need.

Witness : Roger de Ivri {MSS. Lureio}. (RRAN)

Munitionemque suam habeat in Norwico, et homines sui ibi sint cum opus fuerit, omniaque sua cum honore habeat._

Gatehouse Comments

The nature and location of this Munitionemque is unknown. The messuages of the Abbot is recorded in the Domesday Book. At this early date a location in the old Saxon town, east and north of the castle is likely rather than in the Norman borough to the west of the castle.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceTG232086
Latitude52.6293411254883
Longitude1.29736995697021
Eastings623200
Northings308600
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Renn, D.F., 1973 (2 edn.), Norman Castles of Britain (London: John Baker) p. 262

Primary Sources

  • Davis, H.W.C. (ed), 1913, Regesta Regum Anglo-Normannorum, 1066–1154 Vol. 1 Regesta Willelmi Conquestoris et Willelmi Rufi p. 42 no. 153 online copy
  • Bigelow, M.M., 1879, Placita Anglo-Normannica (Boston: Little, Brown and co) p. 28 online copy
  • 1848, Liber Eliensis Vol. 1 p. 259-60 no. 126 online copy
  • Bentham, J., 1771, History and Antiquities of Ely App. p. 11 (no. 8) online copy
  • 1086, Domesday Book ii, 117