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A roman corn grinder seen at the base of the Purbeck marble vault support. This example probably being put in during construction in the 13th century.


The Augustinian priory in St Olaves was named after Olaf, King of Norway (d 1030). When it was suppressed in 1537 the buildings were sold to a local family who added a mansion and pulled down most of the church. What remained was taken into the guardianship of the state in 1921, mainly because of the still existing refectory undercroft which, built in around 1300 and considered to be an important early example of English brickwork. The vaulted ceiling is supported by five columns of Purbeck marble, the easternmost of which standing on a Roman millstone > Link. The priory ruins adjoin Priory Farm and restaurant > Link and are open to the public, as is the undercroft.