Ancient House Museum’s History of Thetford in 100 Objects
A carved stone which was once part of one of Thetford’s medieval buildings. Picture: Ancient House Museum - Credit: Archant
This month’s object is a carved stone. It once formed part of one of Thetford’s medieval buildings, possibly the Cluniac Priory by the river whose ruins are a popular attraction of the town.
Following the closing down of the monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII, the building stone became a kind of quarry for helping to construct or extend Thetford houses.
A number of pieces of re-used dressed limestone can be seen during a stroll around the town in places such as King’s House or on the Market Place.
This particular example was built into the rear of the Ancient House, now the Museum.
The limestone was imported to Thetford, probably from Barnack in Lincolnshire.
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It was found during building works in 2005-6 in a blocked doorway, now opened up, and clearly shows the marks of the stone-mason from some 800 years ago.
The museum is planning to use this piece in its forthcoming Handmade Exhibition which opens in December.
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