TM3366 : Site of Bruisyard Abbey
taken 13 years ago, near to Bruisyard, Suffolk, England
The earliest occupation on this site, apart from possible Roman activity is the manor of Roke Hall. Theory suggests roof timbers in the kitchen are from this building. The hall was owned by Lionel, Duke of Clarence and was given to a group of priests to become a college in 1354. This venture converted to an Abbey under the Sisters of Poor Clare in 1364. These nuns were an enclosed group, three other locations existed. Saint Clare was a good friend of Saint Francis whose movement is more well known. Link
Many ponds, earthworks and some flint masonry exist although further archaeological work is needed.
Henry VIII's dissolution in 1539 brought religious activities of the nuns to an end and the lands passed to Sir Nicholas Hare. The main part of the hall dates from the 1540s and 1570s; the abbey was converted (now the west wing) and extended onto. In 1748 Thomas Martin notes remains of a chapel on the eastern part of the building (confirmed by excavations).
Sir Michael Hare inherited the house in 1557, as a Catholic he was heavily fined and imprisoned. The fines show because instead of stone, brick is used on doors and windows. An interesting feature is the windows that are high up for privacy, a priests hole also exists. When Sir Michael Hare died he had no children so it passed on to the Rous family in 1611. Evidence shows the family had been involved since at least 1589. The hall was used as a farmhouse before being rented out and eventually it found itself in a poor state. Heritage grants provided money to reroof and replace windows (with English Oak). It was rented out for weekends and that's how it has been since the mid 1990s. Now the focus is on upgrading facilities for weddings and events. The barn in the grounds has been restored and the house is next. This year (2011) sees the 400th year in the Rous family.
Bruisyard hall is grade II* listed but the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Please see Link
Information sourced from Robert Rous.