From the Abbess’s Doorway, the cloisters extended about 32 metres both to the south and to the west, abutting the abbey wall. The stones projecting from the wall are corbels which supported the floors and roof of the cloister walkway. This cloister was probably a two storey structure, and was where the nuns would meditate, contemplate, read, teach and practise their embroidery.
In 1967, repairs were made to this side of the church and a number of corbels were replaced. Stonemason Harry Burt carved a likeness of his boss, Peter Wheble, on a corbel three metres east of the south door.
The dormitory adjoined the church wall the other side of the south door, where the flint inner structure is still exposed. Note the inset panel re-used from the Saxon church which may have been a cupboard. Along the south side of the cloister was the refectory or dining hall, part of which still exists within two of the houses backing onto the south garth.
Now continue through the gates and follow the path to the west face of the Abbey.
