Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Castle Acre

Castle Acre is a village in Norfolk, 4 miles from Swaffham.

The village stands on the Peddars Way, the old Roman road which is now a long distance footpath. It was planned in the 11th century.

Castle Acre Castle, at one end of the village, is the magnificent ruin of a mighty flint 11th century fortress, built for the powerful William de Warenne, Earl of Surrey. The grassy ramparts are truly stupendous, and probably the finest in England. The site was chosen overlooking the River Nar. The ruins are in the care of English Heritage.

Castle Acre Priory, a Cluniac foundation, is at the other end of the village. Also founded in the 11th century, by William de Warenne, the son of the castle's founder, the extensive surviving ruins include the Prior`s House and a magnificent West Front. The priory too is in the care of English Heritage.

St. James the Great Church is at one end of the Village Green, known as Stocks Green. It has an excellent painted rood screen and hexagonal pulpit, both 15th century and very early.

The Bailey Gate is the entrance to the village, giving access to Stocks Green.