The venerable relic of Norman grandeur Broomholme Priory, generally termed Bacton Abbey, is situated in the centre of the village, and from its being in a better state of preservation than probably any other in this county, which possesses the astonishing number of one hundred and twenty-two, is ever a source of interest to the lovers of antiquity.
The architectural style of the Priory of Broomholme appears to be that of the Norman and the early or lancet gothic united.
The editor of the General History of the County of Norfolk says: “A part of its architecture is so entirely of the same style as Norwich Cathedral, that it can scarcely be doubted but they are of the same era.”
The north transept, with its triforium arches, many of which still remain, bears some resemblance to those of Norwich Cathedral and the Church of St. Nicholas, Yarmouth.
The churches generally were built in the form of the latin cross, terminating at the end in a semi-circular apsis. The internal elevations consisted of three divisions, the lower arches—the triforium, occupying the space between the vaulting and external roof of the side aisles—and the celestory.
The circular arched entrance north of the transept appears to be built of Caen stone, and though plain, attests the origin of at least this part of the building. To the east a very lofty arch presents itself of the early gothic.
The chapter-house has a very large window of the early pointed gothic, supposed to have been added in the reign of Henry the VII, but it appears of a much earlier date.
The arcades of the face of the interior walls are very plain and simple; and are intended to take off the effect of a large extent of plain surface as the windows are but small. This appears to have been general in all Norman architecture.
The chimney is very modern, as the builders of the middle ages gave the preference to warming their halls by a central hearth, leaving the smoke to blacken the roof and escape as it best might by an open lantern.
The niche in the north transept, which bears traces of the ornamental gothic, was probably added with other parts of the building, as the abbey increased in fame and opulence.