Great Massingham is one of Norfolk's most attractive villages. There is an impressive village green, several large ponds which dominate the village, some of which were fish ponds for a former 11th century Augustinian Abbey. In the village centre stands the great square tower of St Mary's Church. Built in the 15th century, St Mary’s has diagonal buttresses tapering up to the battlements and corner pinnacles at the top. It also houses four bells, three of which were re-cast in 1903. The outstanding architectural feature of the church is its 13th century porch which was added in the 1300s and used as a school room. Sir Robert Walpole, England's first Prime Minister in 1720 was educated in this porch. There is a B&B, a shop and post office and a pub & restaurant.