The ruins of Creake Abbey are located in rural Norfolk, a tranquil setting that belies a sad tale of monastic mishap. 

Starting out as as a hospital and almshouses for the poor, the priory was granted abbey status by King Henry III in 1225. In 1484 the church and outbuildings were devastated by fire. In spite of royal donations it was never fully repaired and large parts were blocked off. Soon after that particular disaster all the canons were killed by plague. Only the abbot survived. When he died in 1506 the abbey ceased to function as a religious house and reverted to the Crown.

What survives are the remains of the abbey church, the presbytery, crossing, north transept, parts of the north and south chapels, and the low walls and foundations of the nave.