NHER 15986 (Monument record) - Bridewell, but probably not a prison

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Summary

A site called Bridewell is marked a 1454 survey of the parish, and this was once thought to signify a prison. However, it was not until the late 16th century that the word bridewell was used to mean a prison (after Henry VIII's Bridewell Palace became disused and was turned into one), so the prison theory here is unlikely.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TF92SE
Civil Parish NORTH ELMHAM, BRECKLAND, NORFOLK

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Site of Bridewell (prison).
On 1454 survey of parish.
P. Wade-Martins (NAU), 28 March 1980.

However (S1) clarifies this and states that a tenement called Bridewell is mentioned, but there are no references to an actual bridewell.
Indeed as the term 'bridewell' was not used to mean a prison until the late 16th century (after Henry VIII's Bridewell Palace became disused and was turned into a prison) it is not surprising that one is not mentioned in 1454.
E. Rose (NAU), 31 July 1987.

  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • <S1> Monograph: Wade-Martins, P. with Yaxley, D.. 1980. Excavations in North Elmham Park 1967-1972. East Anglian Archaeology Report. Vol IX, parts 1 and 2. p 533.

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Record last edited

Jun 29 2018 10:20AM

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