St Bartholomew

The first Rector was appointed in 1304 but his appointment was to the earlier Saxon church which stood where the present church stands today; the crypt is believed to have been below the original Saxon church. Various items in the church come from that first building.

It is one of the rare Norfolk churches in which many original furnishings and artifacts remain almost untouched. The church contains good examples of 13th and 14th century wall paintings, including the haunting face of St Bartholomew, the stooped body of St Christopher (dated c1360) and the unusual survival of St Andrew carrying his cross (dated c1360) which is on the south wall. Another slightly later painting of St Christopher is at the side of the north door. 

St Bartholomew's is very fortunate in having two exquisite piscinas, including a triple sedilia cum piscina dating from 1380 above which are some fine carvings of birds, flowers and even a lion attacking a dog.  The two doors in the chancel are both dated about 1300 and believed to be from the Saxon church. There is on the floor of the chancel a tomb to a priest which was laid in 1531. There is a 14th century font, and 15th century benches and box pews. The east window depicts the crucification and a glorious west window with fragments of medieval glass. 

The church holds many fine corbels, statues, carvings including what is believed to be a carved wooden 'green man'. The nave roof still has some medieval painted beams. A huge majestic tower stands over 100 feet high above the church, the tower was completed in 1435. The crypt has a unique history and stories about it’s history are held in the heritage centre in the corner of the south aisle. Also in the centre are books and research on people, houses, farms and local industry through time.

The church has a silver Eco Church award. The church is part of roof breakers - it has disabled access and facilities.