NorfolkNORWICHStPeterMancroft(jules&jennyCC-BY-2.0)1 Jules&Jenny

St Peter Mancroft

Far more than the cathedral, tucked away in its quiet close, the church of St Peter Mancroft is in the very heart of Norwich.

Norwich, Norfolk

Opening times

The church is an oasis of calm for workers, shoppers and tourists alike in the centre of this bustling city. It is open Monday to Saturday throughout the year between 10am and 4pm (closing at 3.30pm in winter).

Address

Market Place
Norwich
Norfolk
NR2 1RD

It stands cheek by jowl with the daily bustle of the city's lively market, and there is a wonderful contrast between the huge, still space within the church and the hectic outside world that reaches almost up to its walls.

The church encapsulates everything that is splendid about Perpendicular style. It is a vast, airy space, punctuated by slender, soaring columns of the arcades and filled with light from the huge clear windows of both aisles and clerestory.

Construction was in a single phase of about 25 years, in the mid 15th century; only the top of the tower carries later significant additions, in the form of the slender spirelet, parapet and 'pepperpot' pinnacles, added in 1895.

The church owes its existence to the commerce of an earlier age, with no expense spared by the wealthy medieval merchants and craft guilds, from the two vaulted porches to the lavishly embellished tower that now houses 14 bells.

The great east window has some of Norfolk's best 15th century glass in its 42 panels, much of it collected from other windows in the church.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St George Tombland

Norwich, Norfolk

Originally it is believed there were 63 medieval churches in the city. St George is one of the remaining 31 and has the distinction of not only being architecturally worth a visit but is one of eight in regular weekly use.

St Peter Hungate

Norwich, Norfolk

Set amid cobbled streets and old cottages near the top of Elm Hill, this church dates from the 15th century but looks older than other Perpendicular examples in Norwich; perhaps partly because of its dumpy, pyramid topped tower.