The History of All Hallows

Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney is based on the site of the former All Hallows Convent. We’re incredibly proud of the heritage of All Hallows and the work of the Sisters.

Over the 160 years the Sister of All Hallows were based at the convent they set up a House of Mercy for ‘fallen women’, an industrial school, an orphanage, a hospital nearby in Ditchingham and retreat centres.

Emmaus moved into the convent buildings in 2011 with 4 companions, now we have 32 companions living in our community and we have plans to restore areas of the site and expand our social enterprises. Browse our exhibition below to learn more about All Hallows and our future plans. Find out more about our project to transform 23 nuns cells into a B&B here and discover our latest social enterprise, coming in 2024 here

We are continually looking to learn more about All Hallows and the people who lived here, studied here and maybe even born in the nearby hospital. If you have a story to share or would like to get in touch with us, send us an email here

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund we are currently restoring the convent refectory back into a beautiful dining space. Learn more about the history of the site in our exhibition below, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.