Norfolk Churches Trust

Norfolk Churches Trust Our aim is to protect, through financial aid and advice, the many wonderful churches and chapels in Norfolk.
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The official stuff - The Norfolk Churches Trust exists in order to protect through financial aid and advice the many architecturally precious religious monuments of the county. Norfolk contains the greatest concentration of medieval churches in the world and were built as a result of the vast wealth created by wool. Of the 921 that were originally built, 659 remain: a testament to their skilful construction from flint – one of the most unforgiving materials, in a region devoid of freestone.

Robert's Blind Bike Ride - 1 week to go!Robert has now completed his dry run of his 100km tandem bike ride challenge wit...
05/09/2026

Robert's Blind Bike Ride - 1 week to go!

Robert has now completed his dry run of his 100km tandem bike ride challenge with his pilot Michael Jay.

Here is what he has to say
“ I have to say, it is probably the most physically demanding thing I have done since my second-last marathon back in 2003 when I got taken out by a Womble at about mile-eight.

The practice run, completed on the last bank holiday, 31st August 2026, didn’t come anywhere close to that day in 2003 but I was much younger then and the power of recovery has diminished significantly since.

Although pretty new to this cycling lark, I have soon learned that cafes and pubs play a huge part in the planning of routes. No ride is complete without a scone, cheese or fruit, it’s up to you, and a restorative cup of black gold.

As we hit the foothills of the Norfolk Alps the effect of the wind abated and the going became easier, albeit uphill at times. Give me an uphill anytime over a headwind. We skirted around RAF Marham.

We had covered 98km at an average speed of 21km/h. We achieved a top speed of 52km/h as we descended out of the Acres toward our final destination. During the ride we climbed nearly 500m in all. I notice that when cyclists talk among themselves, they never seem to refer to how far they descend, and neither shall I. Truth be told, I don’t actually know.

We wish Robert every success and a tail wind on the day.

You can read the full story of Robert's dry run here: - https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/roberts-blind-bike-ride-one-week-to-go/



It is just one week until the 2026 Bike Ride, Walk & Drive!But you can do your 'Bike Ride' anyway you like we've had the...
05/09/2026

It is just one week until the 2026 Bike Ride, Walk & Drive!

But you can do your 'Bike Ride' anyway you like we've had them all.

Cycling, walking, driving, running, by bus, by paddleboard, on horseback, on a tractor, triathlons, swimming, on a long board, on crutches, being sponsored to greet participants in the church, taking part solo, or with friends and family.

However you decide to take part, we hope you enjoy the day, and thank you.

If you would like ideas for routes, or need more information about the event, go to our website: - https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride-walk/

We are delighted to announce that to date we have received 100 pieces of art, from 82 different artists into our Secret ...
04/09/2026

We are delighted to announce that to date we have received 100 pieces of art, from 82 different artists into our Secret Artist Auction, we still have more to come. You can view them all here:https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/auction-gallery/

However, you now have the first opportunity to see all the artworks up close at a special week-long viewing, which is just 8 days away. With online bidding opening on Saturday 12th September, you could be one of the first to bid on one of these unique pieces of art.

'Nothing haunts you like the painting you didn't buy!'

📅12th to 19th September
📍Red Dot Gallery, Fish Street, Holt NR25 6BD
⌚10.00am to 5pm each day (not Sunday)



What will you capture through the lens on 12th September?Taking part in the Bike Ride, Walk & Drive why not also enter o...
03/09/2026

What will you capture through the lens on 12th September?

Taking part in the Bike Ride, Walk & Drive why not also enter one of our photography competitions?

For 2026 we have introduced a new 16 and under competition with the winning entry receiving a new bike or a voucher for cycling equipment up to the value of £250.

We also have our regular photography competition for those aged over 16, where there are three categories; Exterior, Interior and Spirit of the Day. The winning entry for each category will receive £50.

All entries to the photography competitions must feature an element of a church, chapel or meeting house, full details can be found here: -https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride-walk/activities-competitions/

Camera phone images accepted!!!

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It is our first Wednesday Gallery of meteorological autumn, with a small selection of the artwork that has been kindly d...
02/09/2026

It is our first Wednesday Gallery of meteorological autumn, with a small selection of the artwork that has been kindly donated by our Secret Artists.

So, as the seasons change take some time to relax and view our full Secret Artist Auction Gallery here: - https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/auction-gallery/






The Norfolk Churches Bike Ride, a family tradition!Callum Ringer and partner Kathryn are once more taking to the roads o...
01/09/2026

The Norfolk Churches Bike Ride, a family tradition!

Callum Ringer and partner Kathryn are once more taking to the roads of Norfolk for the 2026 Bike Ride, Walk & Drive on Saturday 12th September.

It started with his dad back in the early 1990s. John and Judy Wilson, who for many years have been at the heart of supporting Beckham Church, caught wind that John was a keen cyclist and suggested he might like to take part. Offering to sponsor him 50p for every church he visited, he cycled to more than 70 churches that year, and John and Judy got rather more of a shock than they had bargained for when all those 50ps were added up!

When old enough, Callum, began joining him, raising money on alternative years for either Beckham Church or All Saints’ Church in Bodham, it is Beckham's turn this year.

Normally taking in around 50 churches they have set themselves a particular challenge this year. In May Callum was elected to Norfolk County Council representing Erpingham division, which contains well over 30 churches, chapels, and church ruins, so why not try to visit every one of them in a single day, with a few extras added along the way? It will come to more than 60 miles around some of North Norfolk’s most scenic lanes and historic churches.

Callum says that more than anything, it is genuinely lovely meeting all the people giving up their Saturday to welcome riders into the churches, and nodding to passing cyclists sporting their yellow stickers, knowing that we are all out on the same mission.

The Trust wishes Callum and Kathryn every success for their challenge this year.
You can support them on their Bike Ride for Beckham Church and the Norfolk Churches Trust via their Just Giving page - https://www.justgiving.com/page/callum-ringer-1784834240030.

Whatever your incentive for taking part in the Bike Ride we hope you have an enjoyable day, find out how to take part here - https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride-walk/

Each year the church which has increased the amount of money raised during the Bike Ride the most, is awarded £1,000 by ...
31/08/2026

Each year the church which has increased the amount of money raised during the Bike Ride the most, is awarded £1,000 by the Norfolk Churches Trust.

The tiny parish of St Andrew’s, Thurning were the winners for 2025 receiving £1,000 for the Most Improved Fundraising Church. A presentation was held in the sun-filled churchyard to thank them for their hard work on Wednesday 26th August.

Sarah and Simon Garnier, who organised the gathering, arrived appropriately on bicycles. They are long standing supporters of the Trust and of the Bike Ride and were thrilled that the event coincided with the end of the restoration of the porch of the church, so a double celebration.

Amelia Courtauld, outgoing Chair of the Bike Ride Committee gave a speech recognising the efforts of those who took part in the event and the five who rode on behalf of the church were in attendance. As well as Sarah and Simon Garnier, these were Jo and Giles Winter, and Hilary Lucier.

Read more here: - https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/2025-bike-ride-walk-drive-presentation-at-thurning-st-andrew/

St Andrew's is really is well worth a visit, perhaps as part of your own Bike Ride, Walk & Drive on 12th September, and maybe you could help your local church win the prize for 2026.

Want to hear more about the Bike Ride, Walk & Drive? Amelia Courtauld will be on the Louise Hulland show on BBC Radio Norfolk on Friday 4th September at 2.35pm to talk about it.

Glorious sunset through the window at Corpusty, St Peter. 🌅
30/08/2026

Glorious sunset through the window at Corpusty, St Peter.

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Did you spot where we were yesterday?The image was part of the stunning west front of Binham the Priory church of St Ma...
29/08/2026

Did you spot where we were yesterday?

The image was part of the stunning west front of Binham the Priory church of St Mary, showing part of one of the blind arches either side of the west door. The architectural details includes trefoils, sexfoils and dog toothed carving in the stonework.

As we pan out you can also see in the decoration quatrefoils, cinquefoils and above the west window an octofoil. Said blocked in west window, dating from the 13th century has bar tracery believed to be the earliest of this kind in England.

Step inside and the height of the building is apparent, three levels of rounded arches rising to the roof. The remnants of the 15th century screen along the south wall. At the west end a 15th century seven sacrament font.

In the sanctuary is a triple sedilia and blocked priest's door, on the other wall, two misericords, with the image of green man.

There are some lovely carved poppyheads, including a lion, the only one to keep his head at the Reformation!

Your first glimpse of Binham Priory is a delight, especially approached from the south, and well worth a visit.

Archaeological Trust

Address

Wood Farm, Foxley Road, Themelthorpe
Dereham
NR205PU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+441379677272

Website

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