The Churches Conservation Trust. 1 West Smithfield, London
EC1A 9EE
Tel: 020 7213 0660 Fax: 020 7213 0678 / Email:
central@tcct.org.uk /
Barton Bendish East Bradenham Feltwell Frenze Hockwold Islington King's Lynn
Shimpling Walpole West Harling West Walton Wiggenhall
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The westernmost of two remaining churches in this tiny village, set in open country, St Mary's is flanked by trees and, with its thatched roof, has considerable charm. This 14th century church has a complicated history: the tower fell in 1710 and the fine west door came from the demolished third church in the village - Pevsner called it one of the best Norman doorways in England. Within St Mary's you can find a strange collection of old pews, a 14th century wall painting and a wonderful still, white simplicity.
St Mary's stands up a small lime-tree avenue, above the road and at the east end of the long village. The powerful tower is a Perpendicular, but the rest is 14th century and earlier, with light pouring through clear windows. The round clerestory windows with quatrefoil tracery are unusual, and the figures on the Greene monument gaze towards their house - long demolished. The chamber organ is by Samuel Green and is dated 1786. Top
One of two churches in a large straggly village on the edge of the Fens, St Nicholas was truncated at both ends by a chancel being demolished in 1862 and a west tower falling during repairs in 1898. The remnant is as broad as it is long, like a meeting house - an impression enhanced by the light pouring through the clear glass and the 1830 brickwork of the north wall. The massive Norman tower arch emphasises the church's early foundation. The Tudor brick south porch, and the tall Perpendicular clerestory windows, with striking flush-work panels between them on the south side, are evidence of later work.
In a farmyard opposite the Hall, this originally 13th century church is a simple building with a Tudor brick porch and a bell-cote. Inside it is charming, and has superb 15th and 16th century memorials to the Blennerhassets and others; also a Jacobean pulpit with a family pew opposite
In the village and surrounded by its roadside churchyard, St Peter's is built of flint with some old rendering still there, giving it an unspoilt look. The church is tall and full of light coming through its big Decorated and Perpendicular windows. The splendid nave roof dates from the 15th century, with angels blessing the worshippers below. There are interesting monuments, including one to Cyrill Wyche, one of the first members of the Royal Society. Top
St Mary's was a cruciform church, built in the richest of all ecclesiastical belts that stretches from King's Lynn to Wisbech. However, now only the tower and chancel are roofed. Within the chancel are monuments to the Bagge family. The main part of the fabric dates from the 14th century but the sturdy west tower and porch are of the 15th.
This is the largest chapel in England, and dates almost entirely from the 15th century, with an earlier tower, and a spire added in 1869. The majestic porch has magnificent carvings on the outside and a vaulted ceiling inside. The huge west windows fills the chapel with light, illuminating its many treasures. Most spectacular is the wooden roof, each tie-beam decorated with angels, playing musical instruments. A large and fascinating collection of monuments and memorials includes a marble urn designed by Robert Adam for Sir Benjamin Keene. Other memorials illustrate Lynn's long history as a commercial centre and port. The consistory court, where the Archdeacon would judge cases involving church law, is a very rare survival dating from 1617. Top
Away from the village, down a track through fields, the church is charmingly placed with a sloping view to woods. With its Norman round tower, octagonal uppermost stage from the 15th century, and a little spire added in 1863, Shimpling is essentially a beautifully proportioned building, sympathetically restored by EC Lee in 1867-74. Items of note include an octagonal 15th century font and a small areas of distinguished mediaeval stained glass.
St Andrew's is a big Marshland church, only a few fields away from its even bigger sister at Walpole St Peter. Built in the 15th century but on an older site where Roman as well as mediaeval remains have been found, it has a sturdy brick west tower with a curious cell or oratory at its foot. There is a clerestory, octagonal turrets at the east end and a chancel with old benches. Top
West Harling church stands on its own, across a field, down a track on the edge of Thetford forest, whose conifers cannot hide its tall tower from the road. It is an agreeable mixture of flint, stone, render and brick. There are good carved faces around the walls and fragments of old stained glass, Flemish panels in the reredos and a handsome bust of 1780.
The great bulk of this tower, detached from its beautiful church, rears up splendidly from the level marshland. It was built around 1240 of Barnack stone, and the quality of both design and execution put it in a class apart from most churches, even in this part of Norfolk. It recalls work at the cathedrals of Ely and Lincoln, with its four stages of arches growing richer in ornament as they rise. The belfry holds five bells in an ancient frame. Top
In a tranquil country setting, this fine example of a Perpendicular style church dates from around 1400, with a tower built mainly of brick. There is a lovely sundial over the porch entrance. But it is the exquisite carvings inside which make a visit truly memorable. The 15th century benches are among the most remarkable in the country. The backs have elegant piercing and tracery, while the ends have carvings representing saints. The surviving lower portion of the mediaeval rood-screen has excellent carving and depictions of eight saints painted on its panels. Interesting Kervile family memorials include a heart-shaped brass commemorating Sir Robert, and a very fine alabaster monument to Henry.
Norfolk Leader: Kate Weaver Cost: £25
Tuesday 12th June 07
Coach collects: 10:30 Norwich train station 16:30 Return to Norwich train
station
Little Witchingham, Salle*, Cawston* and Booton
(Churches are approx 15 miles NW of Norwich)
We begin by going from the sublime to the ridiculous – starting in deepest Norfolk at St Faith’s Little Witchingham. The unremarkable exterior doesn’t prepare you for the wonderful collection of wall-paintings and its lovely, simple interior. Nearby St Michael the Archangel at Booton – whose eccentric Victorian exuberance contrasts completely with St Faith’s unassuming sanctity. After lunch at the Ratcatchers, (a main entry in the Good Pub Guide) we go on to visit two of Norfolk’s most glorious churches – Cawston and Salle: both in their different ways ultimate expressions of the perpendicular.
Lunch at The Ratcatcher’s Pub, Cawston (pay on the day)
Tea will be provided at Salle (included in price).
To download a booking form and to find out more details of how
to book a tour please visit
www.visitchurches.org.uk
or call our dedicated bookings and enquiries line on 020 7213 0680.
Please leave a message detailing your name, a daytime contact telephone number,
the event/s you wish to attend and the number of tickets you require. We will
call you back to confirm and arrange payment.
(Bookings will be processed weekly)
Please be aware that places on the tours are limited.
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