EP2 – Love and Royalty at Butley Priory

What do the Arctic Monkeys, Queen Mary of France and a founding father of the BBC all share in common? Butley Priory.

Uncover the incredible 900-year history of Butley Priory in Suffolk as well as a link to famous TV programmes like The Detectorists. Join us as we talk to the current custodians Clare & Edward as they guide you through the beautifully restored Priory gatehouse and share captivating stories of its past, from its founding in 1171 to its current use as a stunning wedding and event venue.

What you will discover in this video:

Royal Intrigue: Hear the dramatic story of Henry VIII's sister, Princess Mary, Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk, who frequently visited and loved the peaceful Priory, and her secret marriage to the Duke of Suffolk.

Historical Finds: Learn about the exquisite medieval ruby ring possibly belonging to Princess Mary, and the recent discovery of a Bronze Age hoard and Roman artefacts on the grounds.

The Priory Chronicle: Find out about the lost and recovered Butley Priory Chronicle, kept in the Bodlean Library in Oxford, which details everything from local farming and floods to affairs of state and the sad story of a prior who committed suicide in 1508.

Architectural Marvels: Explore the gatehouse, including the medieval garderobe (lavatory) and the Great Hall, which features fascinating medieval anti-witchcraft graffiti and the stunning 35 heraldic shields on the north face.

World War II History: Discover the impact of WWII, including the nearby villages cleared for D-Day training and the German landmine that nearly destroyed the Gatehouse in 1943.

Modern Celebrity: Learn which famous band—the Arctic Monkeys—recorded their album The Car here and other famous visitors like Florence and the Machine.

This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in Suffolk history, medieval architecture, Tudor royalty, and the work of the Orford Museum.

🎬 More from Orford Museum

Son et Lumière: Learn about the spectacular sound and light show held at the Priory and the upcoming show at Orford Castle on the 16th of August 2026.

Orford Museum History Festival: Find out how to attend the popular festival in February with history talks. https://orfordmuseum.org.uk/events/

Membership: Discover how a family membership supports local heritage and includes free entry to Orford Castle. https://orfordmuseum.org.uk/friends-o...

Produced by event.video. Presenter: Ralph Cochrane

00:00 Introduction to Suffolk History Podcast
00:50 The Origins of Butley Priory
01:56 The Rise of Butley Priory
02:53 Famous Visitors and Modern Uses
04:14 Historical Anecdotes and Discoveries
08:44 The Great Hall and Architectural Details
11:12 World War II and Later Restorations
14:30 Medieval Graffiti and Stonework
16:42 The Butley Priory Chronicle
21:46 Events and Activities at Butley Priory
25:04 Orford Castle and Historical Narratives
31:01 Conclusion and Upcoming Events