Visit Binham Market Cross in Norfolk. Explore this medieval stone monument, once the centre of trade and community life in the village.

A Symbol of Norfolk’s Medieval Past

In the quiet Norfolk village of Binham, the Market Cross stands as a graceful reminder of England’s medieval market tradition. Built in the 15th century, this simple yet elegant stone monument once marked the centre of local trade and community gatherings.

Today, Binham Market Cross remains a peaceful landmark surrounded by green fields and historic cottages. Just a short walk from Binham Priory, it offers visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine the rhythm of daily life in a medieval market town.

The History of Market Crosses

Market crosses appeared in the medieval period, when towns and villages were granted the right to hold markets. They often stood on the village green or in a square, acting as both a meeting place and a symbol of the church’s blessing on trade.

Binham’s cross dates from the 15th century and, though only part of it survives, it still marks the historic heart of the village. Its location reflects the strong connection between Binham Priory and local life.

What to See at Binham Market Cross
1. The Stone Base and Shaft

The surviving stone plinth rests on a two-tiered base, likely designed to elevate the cross above the crowd. The shaft rises from its centre — plain yet beautifully proportioned, typical of 15th-century craftsmanship.

2. The Village Green

The cross stands on Binham’s village green, surrounded by flint cottages and views of Binham Priory’s west front. The location still feels like a communal heart, just as it did six centuries ago.

3. Connection to Binham Priory

The nearby Binham Priory, founded in 1091, would have influenced village life and trade. Monks often encouraged local markets to supply food and materials for the priory. Today, both sites can be visited in one short walk, making them ideal companions for a heritage day out.

A Peaceful Stop on the Norfolk Heritage Trail

Unlike grand castles or cathedrals, Binham Market Cross tells the quieter story of daily life. It represents the balance between sacred and ordinary — faith and commerce — that defined rural England in the Middle Ages.

Moreover, its setting in the North Norfolk countryside makes it a lovely stop for walkers, photographers, and history enthusiasts exploring the region’s heritage sites.

Visiting Binham Market Cross

Address: Binham Green, near Binham Priory, Binham, Norfolk NR21 0DQ

By car: Off the B1105; parking available near Binham Priory.

By bus: Local routes from Fakenham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

By train: Sheringham Station (20 minutes by car).

Opening Hours:
Open daily, free access. The site is maintained by the Parish Council with support from English Heritage.

Learn more about nearby historic sites on the Visit North Norfolk website

Nearby Attractions

Binham Priory: Majestic monastic ruins just a short stroll away.

Blakeney Point: A coastal reserve known for its seals and seabirds.

Holkham Hall: A grand 18th-century estate with landscaped grounds.

Walsingham Abbey: Famous pilgrimage site with beautiful gardens.

Combine these for a North Norfolk heritage day trip.

Why Visit Binham Market Cross?

Though modest in size, Binham Market Cross embodies the spirit of medieval community life. It stands as a symbol of trade, faith, and connection — qualities that defined Norfolk’s villages for centuries.

Pause beside the weathered stone, picture the bustle of a medieval market, and let the landscape tell its timeless story.