The priory, dedicated to the Holy Cross and the Blessed Virgin, was founded by Geoffrey Fitz Peter, 1st Earl of Essex about 1190; it was a double house, for canons and nuns of the Gilbertine Order.

In 1291 the priory held property in 26 parishes in Norfolk and the shops in London, and its annual income was £207.

The document was signed by members of the priory: Robert Swift, prior, Richard Foster, sub-prior, and eight other canons; Elizabeth Fincham, prioress, Joan Plomstede, sub-prioress, and five other nuns.

[1] Cropmarks east of the farmhouse show locations and dimensions of particular buildings of the priory.

[1] There was some excavation of the monastic cemetery in 1954, when the remains of about 22 individuals, male and female, were uncovered.