All Saints
Hethel, Norfolk
Peace, hospitality and sustainability are themes in this interesting church dating from the early 12th century.
The present church dates from around 1300.
Additions were made in the 14th and 15th centuries. It contains wall paintings from the 14th century which were uncovered and restored in the 20th century. The annunciation is shown in the chancel with the Angel Gabriel situated on the north side of the east window and the Virgin Mary on the south side. St Christopher is portrayed above the north door with The Gossips on the north wall of the nave.
A leading architectural historian, Clive Aslett, chose to include this church in his book Villages of Britain on account of its highly significant and unusual wall-painting depicting two elegantly dressed women gossiping while holding rosary beads; a subject known as a “Warning to Janglers and Idle Gossips”. There is also evidence of a painting in the northeast corner of the north aisle and a fragment at the base of the tower. Additionally, there is a 15th century painted rood screen and the north and south aisle roofs include some original medieval rafters.
There were two previous churches on the site and the Purbeck marble mensa and octagonal font are from the second church built in the 11th or 12th century. The tower dates from the 15th century and contains three bells, two of which were cast in Norwich around 1380 making them some of the oldest in Norfolk.
An extension was added in 2009 comprising of a kitchen/meeting room and toilet. The church has a wider community aspect not only for worship but also by others. Walking groups regularly use it as a start and finish point and the Salvation Army holds a yearly concert. The churchyard has conservation areas and is frequently visited by people seeking the graves of their ancestors.