NHER 4266 (Monument record) - The site of the medieval Dominican or Blackfriars Friary

Site of Dominican/Blackfriars Friary.
The Dominican Friars were probably established in Great Yarmouth by 1260 and, after receiving grants of land, built a church and Friary here by 1280. The area they occupied (centred TG 526068) was bounded by the town wall on the east and south sides, by the haven on the west, and by Friars Lane on the north. There were apparently 35 friars in 1277 and 1329. The church was burnt down in 1525 and the Friary dissolved in 1538.
A map of Great Yarmouth from 1588 (S17) shows the cloister buildings still remaining.
In 1730, Tom Martin (S2) noted that remains were visible, particularly in the region of Feathers Inn.
Information from Ordnance Survey record card (S1) and HER Record Card (S3).
Amended A. Henderson (HES), 09 April 2025.

1946. Stray find.
Medieval fragments found.The fragments were built into 'South Star' public house on South Quay.
Information from HER Record Card (S3).
Amended A. Henderson (HES), 09 April 2025.

December 1970-1971. Field Observation.
A field observation was undertaken during the consruction of a fire station (centred at TG 5256 0281).
The construction revealed walls, buttresses, pillar bases, and an undercroft from the friary church.
Several human remains were found during the field observation; an unpublished document by G. Rye (S6) lists fifteen inhumations uncovered in total. One skull and one lower jawbone were uncovered by a mechanical digger. A row of three inhumations were found without skulls (S5). Six inhumations were found in six small groups (S4). A stone coffin was excavated with the disturbed remains of one individual. The fill in the coffin also contained roof tile and 16th century stoneware (S5).
Also found were a gargoyle, half a small Neidermendig millstone, and part of centre shaft of window tracery (S12).
See unpublished documents (S4), (S5), and (S6) for further information on the human remains.
Information from unpublished report (S7) and photographs (S8).
Details also published in article (S9) and newspaper reports (S10) and (S11).
M. Langham-Lopez (HES), 11 July 2013. Amended A. Henderson (HES), 09 April 2025.

1973. Excavation.
Many medieval/post medieval sherds.
Information from unpublished document (S7), (S13), and (S15).
Details also published in article (S14).
E. Rose (NAU), 4 November 1982. Amended A. Henderson (HES), 09 April 2025.

1977. Field Observation.
Demolition of properties in northwest corner of site (South Quay/Friars Lane).
The observation produced medieval sherds and carved stone. 6-8 graves were uncovered but the remains were not excavated archaeologically (S16). Also one unabraded black burnished 2nd century Roman sherd.
Evidence found that church extended at least one bay further west than in plan published in Rye, C. G. 1973, Great Yarmouth, Blackfriars Church (S14).
Information from HER Record Card (S3) and published journal article (S16).
E. Rose (NAU), 20 August 1985. Amended A. Henderson (HES), 09 April 2025.

April 2025. HER Enhancement.
The site of Drury House, which was originally recorded here, is now recorded under NHER 69112.
A. Henderson (HES), 09 April 2025.