Paranormal case file · Location 22
ApparitionHaunted LandCemeteryCurated Haunted LocationKnown Haunted Location
Curated Haunted Location
Binham Priory
Binham Priory, Warham Road, North Norfolk, Norfolk, England, NR21 0DQ, United Kingdom
The haunting
The most interesting documented account comes from 1935, when a local newspaper reported that a woman had seen what appeared to be a Benedictine monk in a black cowl inside the church. She reportedly saw the figure standing on a ledge near the church door. It then slowly walked along the ledge before apparently disappearing. During its journey, the figure was said to climb a set of spiral steps. The vicar, Rev. C. F. Carroll, confirmed that he had been told about the sighting and said that other villagers had also claimed to have seen a Benedictine monk around the priory and its Gaol Gate. There is also the much older legend of the Ghost Fiddler of Binham — a man who supposedly entered an underground passage beneath the priory while playing his fiddle and was never seen again.
Reported / claimed activity
◆ BLACK-HOODED MONK — A Benedictine-looking figure has reportedly been seen inside the church. ◆ FIGURE ON THE LEDGE — One witness claimed to see the monk walking along a raised ledge near the church entrance. ◆ SPIRAL STAIRCASE — The apparition reportedly climbed the spiral steps before disappearing. ◆ MONK AT THE GAOL GATE — Villagers also reportedly claimed to have seen a monk near the old Priory entrance. ◆ GHOSTLY FIDDLE MUSIC — The sound of a fiddle is traditionally said to be heard around the ruins. ◆ THE VANISHING FIDDLER — Legend says local fiddler Jimmy Griggs entered a tunnel with his dog, playing his fiddle as he went. ◆ SUDDEN SILENCE — The music supposedly stopped abruptly while he was underground. ◆ MIDNIGHT MUSIC — Later folklore claims that Jimmy's fiddle can still be heard around the priory after dark. The most famous story concerns a supposed secret tunnel between Binham Priory and Walsingham, roughly three miles away. According to the legend, a black-clad monk could sometimes be seen travelling through or emerging from the passage. A local fiddler named Jimmy Griggs supposedly decided to investigate. He entered the tunnel accompanied by his dog, Trap, and played his fiddle as he walked so that people outside could follow his progress by sound. Then, suddenly, the music stopped. Jimmy never returned. Later that night, a violent storm supposedly caused part of the tunnel to collapse. His dog survived, but Jimmy was never seen again. The darker version of the legend says that his fiddle music can still sometimes be heard at midnight around Binham Priory.
Background and folklore, separate from member eyewitness experiences.
Historical background
Binham Priory was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror. It became home to a community of Benedictine monks and remained a religious centre for more than 400 years. The priory was dissolved in 1539 during the reign of Henry VIII, after which much of the monastery was dismantled. The surviving nave became the parish church, while the ruins of the rest of the priory remain beside it. The site's long monastic history has helped create several legends, particularly stories of a black-hooded monk and a mysterious underground passage supposedly connecting Binham with Walsingham.
References & research
Sources & background
These sources document the location, story or claimed activity. They do not prove paranormal activity.
- Binham PrioryNews article · Binham Priory
Binham Priory Ghost
- Visit North NorfolkLocal history source · North Norfolk
Haunted North Norfolk - The Fiddler Ghost of Binham Priory
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