NORFOLK CHURCHES

There were over 1,000 medieval churches built in Norfolk and 659 still remain, this is the greatest concentration in the world. Not only are these beautiful internationally important buildings, but they contain hundreds of medieval works of art and craftsmanship. The simple and easily built round towers of early times gave way to the rich and spacious buildings in the prosperous Middle Ages, many noted for their beautiful rood screens, decorated roofs and bench carvings. The decline in the population of Norfolk left many churches isolated from their villages, but their towers still dominate the Norfolk landscape. Each of these wonderful buildings, offers a great place to escape our busy lives and experience peace and tranquility. Make sure you get to visit some of these magnificent medieval churches during your stay in Norfolk.

Norwich Cathedral dominates the skyline of the city. The building was started in 1096 and took nearly 200 years to complete, with stone shipped from Caen in Normandy. After the townsfolk set fire to the cathedral in the riots of 1272, the timber roofs were replaced with stone vaulting with carved and painted roof bosses. It is one of the finest Cathedrals in England.

Next, we head to the Norfolk Broads, which has plenty of beautiful medieval churches, some are really tucked away and are best visited by boat from the river. We start our list of favourites at Ranworth The Cathedral of the Broads, St Helen, with its magnificent rood screen and views from its tower.

Irstead St Michael, with a thatched roof. A lovely remote church so typical of Norfolk and best accessed from the River Ant by boat.

Horning St Benedict. Sitting on the edge of this lovely Broadland village and having its own small staithe, allowing you to tie up your boat and explore the church.

South Walsham St Mary. Two churches in one churchyard! Norfolk has a few instances of this.

Thurne St Edmund with a thatched roof and embattled tower.

Potter Heigham St Nicholas. A lovely church, tucked away in the residential part of this Broadland village. The earliest surviving feature is the round tower, which dates back to the 12th century and has a 14th century octagonal extension, one of the best preserved in the country. Inside, you will find a stunning hammerbeam roof (Gothic open timber), an almost unique 15th century brick font and a scheme of wall paintings dating back to the 14th century.

St. Marys, West Somerton. This ancient, peaceful church is one of the best in Norfolk, partly due to its location, perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and views to the coast at Winterton. People have worshipped here for over 900 years and the building contains craftsmanship from various dates and periods.

The churches of the Norfolk Coast tend to be larger, some are almost like cathedrals! Many sit in prominent positions, overlooking the sea, with strong connections to the sailors who have lost their lives. A typical example is Blakeney St Nicholas, with its unusual light turret and detailed wood carvings.

Cley-next-the-sea St Margaret of Antioch, is also a cathedral like church with fine stone, wood carvings and some fascinating old graves.

Happisburgh St Mary has a tall tower with views out to sea and a chilling mass grave of sailors drowned nearby.

Burnham Thorpe is the birthplace of Horatio Nelson. His father, Edmund Nelson, moved to Burnham Thorpe in 1755, after his marriage. Horatio, the 6th of their 11 children was born on 29th September 1758 in a house called the Shooting Box! Horatio went away to study and after his early years in the Navy, he returned for 5 years to Burnham Thorpe with his new wife. Nelson was given his first role as Captain after this and the rest is history. The church where his father was Rector, is well worth a visit as it is full of Nelson family memorabilia, including a cross and lectern made from wood from HMS Victory.

The church of St Nicholas at Salthouse stands between the village and high ridge and is high enough to avoid any flood water. Inside, the nave and chancel were rebuilt in the 15th century at a time of great prosperity. The church contains a fine font with lions and a painted rood screen.

Although not strictly a medieval church, no tour of churches should not mention England's Nazareth at Little Walsingham - the Shrine of our Lady. The Shrine Church is the highlight of the site and is situated in beautiful grounds. The Shrine Church, built in the 20th century, is where the Holy House is located - a replica of the home in Nazareth of Joseph, Mary and Jesus (the Holy Family). You can also find an image of Our Lady of Walsingham, carved in 1922 and copied from the seal of the medieval Priory which was suppressed in 1538.

Booton Church of St Michael and All Angels is a highly individual church. It was created on the shell of a medieval building in the 19th century by the rector Revd Whitwell Elwin over a period of 50 years. Its a gothic fantasy, with palace-like towers on the outside, and hosts of oak angels and stained glass on the inside. No tour of Norfolk's churches is complete without a visit to Booton!