The buildings known as Wymondham Abbey are the remains of a Benedictine monastery, founded in 1107 by William d'Albini, whose brother was the Abbot of St Albans. Excavations in 2002 discovered the fabric of a late Saxon or Norman church beneath the nave of the current church, and an earlier burial indicating the presence of a Saxon church nearby. The north aisle and nave were used by the town, and the chancel was used by the monks of the abbey. This dual usage caused much tension and produced two towers, one at either end of the nave, which results in the dramatic structure that you see today. Originally the church had two western towers with a third over the central crossing. This became unstable in the late 14th century and was rebuilt further west. The two western towers were replaced by the existing 142ft western tower from 1448 onwards. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, the eastern section of the church and the monastic buildings were demolished and the eastern tower fell into disuse. The nave continued to serve as the parish church, dedicated to St Mary and St Thomas of Canterbury. Surviving masonry elements include the south wall of the refectory and at least three unidentified buildings. The interior of the church does not disappoint, boasting a stunning gilded altar screen by the great Gothic Revival architect Ninian Comper, a 15th century hammerbeam roof with a host of angels, and a 15th century font complete with carvings of the symbols of the Evangelists, lions and woodwoses. Notice the Norman pillars at the west end of the nave which have retained their original shape. Look up at the eastern end of the triforium on the south side and you will see the window from the monks' dormitory that they looked through to spy on the parish. In the south aisle a variety of creatures serve as pew ends.