The Abbey meadows form part of the responsibility of the Papillon Trust. Many people comment how much they enjoy the view over the ha-ha of sheep grazing in the meadows and of lambs in the spring. The preservation of the meadows form part of the setting of the Abbey, which given the Rev Papillon's actions to alter the course of the road to increase the churchyard and the dignity of the approach to the Abbey, is clearly in line with his wishes.
The Rev William Papillon formed a Trust (in 1833) to create a school, before state education was provided, and to endeavour to ensure evensong was held regularly in the Abbey, by providing funds to recompense a 'lecturer' at evensong. Interestingly, no mention in the founding document is made of the meadows, in spite of claims made to the contrary. The Trust was revised by the Charity Commissioners in 1992; its current obligations are to preserve its assets, fund the evensong lecturer, and make grants to assist the religious education of young people in the parish.
The meadows are part of a scheduled monument overseen by Historic England, and also by Natural England. The sensitivity of the site and its monastic remains means that grazing by sheep is the most appropriate means of maintaining it. A report by the Norfolk Archaeological Service indicated that regular public access would be detrimental. The Trustees, however, feel that from time to time, the meadows might be seen by those interested in the site and its history. Therefore, the Trustees are arranging an open afternoon visit (Saturday 10th June 2:30pm) when Stephen Heywood (FSA Historic Buildings researcher) will introduce the tour, starting in the Abbey and then going into the meadows. There will be appropriate displays in the Abbey from the Abbey and town archives. Teas and coffees will also be available there. The schoolrooms, a foundation asset of the Trust, will also be open.
The meadows were last opened in 2009, so please take this opportunity to learn more. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Sensible shoes are advisable; no dogs are allowed in the meadows.
