The History of the Abbey
The church was founded in 1107, to serve a community of Benedictine monks brought here by local landowner William d’Albini, Chief Butler to King Henry I. D’Albini’s brother was Abbot of St. Albans, and the Wymondham monastery was initially a Priory, or dependant house, of St. Albans Abbey.
Over the following centuries, the monastery grew in wealth and importance. In 1448, it became an Abbey in its own right, hence Wymondham Abbey. In 1538, however, the Abbey came to an abrupt end as King Henry VIII closed every monastery in the land. The abbot became vicar, the monks were pensioned off, and most of the buildings were dismantled.
Only the nave and aisles of the church, which the townspeople used as their parish church, survived. The church is thus only about half its original size. The nave is a fine example of 12th century Norman style, built of creamy-coloured Caen stone from Normandy, from where the founder’s family came. It was later enlarged with a wide Lady Chapel in the north aisle. The height of the nave was raised in the fifteenth century, and a magnificent roof added, embellished with almost two hundred flying angels, leaves and stars.
Externally, a central octagonal tower – now ruined -was built by the monks in the 14th century. A century later, in 1445, the huge west tower was built to replace the two shorter towers of the original Norman west front. The monks’ bells were hung in the east tower, while the west tower originally housed the townspeople’s bells. Today the Abbey has a fine set of ten bells, and a very enthusiastic band of ringers.
There are many treasures to find in the church. Just inside the main door is the font, with its rich carvings of angels and symbolic beasts representing the four gospel writers. The elaborate gilded font cover is 20th century, in the style of late Medieval East Anglian covers.
The north aisle roof is a remarkable 15th century hammer beam construction enriched with carvings of angels and other figures including musicians and, incongruously, a pregnant woman. Traces of paint at the East end, including one angel with bright red wings, suggest that the whole roof was once richly coloured. The triptych altarpiece behind the Lady altar was made in 1904 in the Arts and Crafts tradition. It came to Wymondham in 1991.
Wymondham Abbey has a long musical tradition and is home to two fine Georgian organs, both by the same builder, James Davis. The main organ was given to the church in 1793 by Ann Farmer, “spinster of the parish” and is located in a high stone gallery at the back of the church. The chamber organ of 1810 is in the Lady Chapel.
Perhaps Wymondham Abbey’s most striking embellishment is the huge gilded reredos, or screen, behind the high altar, with its beautiful tester and rood beam figures above. The reredos was designed by Sir Ninian Comper and installed here in 1922 as a First World War memorial. The statues include saints associated with Wymondham, such as the patrons, Our Lady and St. Thomas of Canterbury.
Today
The Abbey is a short walk from the town centre. The setting of the Abbey is idyllic, rising above unspoilt meadow land to the south bounded by the River Tiffey. The Tiffey Valley has been opened up to walkers, with well-marked scenic trails. From April to October, the
Mid Norfolk Railway runs trains between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey station, while Wymondham mainline station (trains to Norwich, Cambridge and beyond) is within easy walking distance.
Today, the church has a thriving congregation, with daily services and three main Sunday services at 8am, 10am and 6.30pm. The Abbey is open to visitors every day from 10am. There is a shop in the church, selling guides, books and gifts, and toilets are located in the nearby schoolroom. The whole church is accessible to wheelchair users, and stewards are on hand to help answer questions.
While in Wymondham, don’t miss: the historic Market Cross, dating from 1615,
Wymondham Heritage Museum, unusual specialist and antique shops, ancient pubs such as the 15th century Green Dragon (close to the Abbey) and award-winning tea rooms, such as Brief Encounter at
Wymondham Station.