Concern over worsening tilt of Cross of Peace on Norfolk Broads
They added: "I hope there is a way it can be saved before it leans too far and becomes unsafe."
The cross was erected on what was the monastery's alter, but is now open marshland.Over the years, hundreds of coins have been pushed into grooves in the wood.The Diocese of Norwich, which previously owned the St Benet's Abbey site, said it had no remaining responsibilities for the land.The Norfolk Archaeological Trust manages the site, but states it has no responsibility for the Cross of Peace.
St Benet's Abbey was founded in 1019 when Canute, King of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and England, gave the land to a community of monks.Today, parts of the gatehouse remain in relatively good condition, but the wider monastery has fallen into ruin.The Norfolk Archaeological Trust said the monastery was irreparably damaged by graffiti etched into the gatehouse's limestone in 2021.Each summer an open-air Church of England service is held at the Cross of the Peace, with the Bishop of Norwich arriving at the location aboard a traditional type of boat known as a wherry.
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