NHER 39594 (Building record) - St Mary's Chapel

The former chapel of St Mary was founded by William d'Albini in the twelfth century to serve the parishioners of his planned town of New Buckenham, and the inhabitants of his castle. At some stage in its history it was served by the canons of St James, one of whom was apparently obliged to reside at the west end of the chapel. The construction of the parish church of St Martin in the fifteenth century presumably means that at this time the chapel became the private chapel to the castle. At some time in the fifteenth century large traceried windows were inserted. The chapel appears to have survived the Reformation, perhaps continuing in use until the demolition of the castle in 1649 (S1). It was converted for use as a barn, with the large windows being blocked in using flint rubble and Tudor brick.

July 1958. Listed, Grade I.
Listing Description Excerpt:
"Barn, originally St. Mary's Chapel in outer bailey of castle. Mid 12th century converted to barn mid 16th century after Dissolution. Flint with brick facing to south and east walls and slate roof. Full height central double doors to north dressed with brick. Brick quoins and some ashlar dressing."
Information from (S2).
Please consult the National Heritage List for England (S2) for the current listing details.
Amended by P. Beers (HES), 20 June 2020.

1976. Visit.
The barn had apparently been used as a pigsty. The building has recently been converted into a performance space.
A. Cattermole (NLA), 23rd July 2004.

1997. Building Survey.
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 4 June 2015.

August 2003. Watching Brief.
Monitoring of groundworks associated with conversion of St Mary' Chapel to a residential building. Contexts 1-12 used.
Medieval wall revealed, possibly part of chapel extension. Also two postholes and two pieces of dressed and worked stone related to the construction of the former barn.
Undated possible pit revealed.
See report (S3) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S4).
The associated archive has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2009.216).
A. Cattermole (NLA), 10 May 2004. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 3 June 2015 and 5 May 2019.

Previously NHER 9200 context 3.