Go up the steps or ramp into our 21st century extension known as St Benedict’s (from the founder of the Benedictine order of monks who once lived here). Here you will find comfortable seating and up-to-date facilities including toilets and a servery for refreshments. There are informative panels about the history of the Abbey and Parish, some smaller artefacts in displays (don’t miss the pull-out drawers!) and various leaflets for you to take away. From here you can see across the meadow to the remains of the monastic buildings as well as the chapter house archway and ruins of the former monks’ church. The clergy office and vestry is also here. Go through a further doorway to a walkway under the old east tower and into St Margaret’s.
This currently serves mainly as a meeting area and choir vestry. Of great interest, however, is the recently uncovered architectural graffiti on a Norman pillar. This appears to be a scaled plan for a window, probably the east window of the monastic sanctuary when this was remodelled in the 13th century. An information panel gives a detailed description.
From here you may go back through a glazed door into the Lady Chapel of the north aisle.
We hope you have enjoyed this brief online tour of Wymondham Abbey and will be inspired to visit in person. You will find a very warm welcome here, whether you join us for worship or just for a look round.