All Saints
Runhall, Norfolk
A 13th century church with a round tower, set in a raised churchyard surrounded by fields, on the outskirts of the sparsely populated village of Runhall.
It is evidence of a dispute between the monks of the abbey that once stood here and the townspeople, who had rights of access to parts of the building.
The two sides fell out to the extent that each had a tower, and each built its tower higher and higher to outdo the other. The octagonal tower was for the monks, while the great west tower was for the townspeople. The octagonal tower has a strange appearance. It was once at the centre of the church, but the entire east end was demolished at the Dissolution, leaving an open space beneath the tower. Inside, the nave has magnificent Norman stonework.
At the east end is a huge glittering reredos designed by Sir Ninian Comper in the 20th century.
The 15th century nave roof is superb, with immense wooden angels and great wooden star shapes for bosses.