The Priory of Black Canons (Augustinians), known as Wodenham Abbey, was founded in 1172 on the site of a small hermitage. The massive structure consisted of a tower which formed the central point with a nave, chancel and north and south transepts forming the shape of a cross. The Priory was constructed of local iron puddingstone with some brick and Roman tiles, with imported stone from Reigate. All that remains of this impressive building is the western arch of the central tower. Between 1250 and 1450 the Priory acquired donations of land and rent from properties. It owned 30 houses, the church at Woodham Ferrers, the Manor of Bicknacre and many acres of farmland meadow pasture and woodland in local areas and surrounding villages. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1536, the priory rapidly fell into ruin, many of the stones purloined for repairs to local roads and houses. By 1812, only the existing arch remained.