Fransicans were named after St Francis of Assisi and first appeared in Britain in the 13th C. They preached among the townsfolk. At first the Friars had a settlement on the seaward side of the successful town of Dunwich, however after damage from the great storm in 1286 a new site was chosen in 1289. The builders demolished part of Pales Dyke, the landward town ditch, this shows it wasn't particularly important any more. The site included a stone church, wooden service buildings and a stone perimeter wall with large gates (14th C). The building in the centre of the site is remains of the refectory, it has recently been stabilised.
The site is perched in the cliff edge, one day it will join the rest of Dunwich in the north sea, part of the perimeter wall has already fallen.
See other images of Dunwich Friary