NHER 3977 (Monument record) - Site of medieval monastic hospice (Swaffham, poorly located)

Monastic Hospice, founded after 1154 and disolved 1537. Dependant on Sawtry Abbey.
Situated at either Great Friar's Thorne (farm - TF 788 102) or Little Friars Thorne (TF 797 097). Perhaps Great is more likely as it was previously simply 'Friers Thornes'. (S1), (S2).
Little Friars Thorns visited 22 August 1979 by E. Rose (NAU).
No trace of pre 18th century work although owner says brick barn on east has timber framing now sealed between inner and outer walls. However Bartholomew's Norfolk half-inch map of around 1930 indicates a church here which is not now evident and not on 6 inch map - it was put just east of farmyard. An old man told farmer he remembered open-air services on a church site here. If correct more probably a nonconformist chapel however.
E. Rose (NAU).

However the evidence given by Blomefield may suggest the site is really adjacent to St Guthlac's chapel (see 4145).
E. Rose (NLA), 4 December 1995.