With views over the surrounding countryside for miles around, St Peter‘s stands proudly on a hill above the villages of Corpusty and Saxthorpe on the main Norwich–Holt Road (NR11 6QE). It is quite a landmark.
When Corpusty church appeared in John Betjeman`s film `A Passion for Churches` in 1974 it was a boarded-up ruin and seemed destined to join the 160 or so other ruined churches in Norfolk. There was a ‘something must be done’ moment during a visit by Lady Harrod in 1974 turning the church into the catalyst which led to the founding of the Norfolk Churches Trust.
In 1982 it was taken on by The Friends of Friendless Churches who carried out substantial work to the tower. Through through them and the efforts of a few locals the building was stabilised to stop it deteriorating further. The roof was repaired and the windows glazed to keep out the worst of the weather. The Friends installed new shutters in the tower and designed them with the crossed keys of St Peter, its patron saint, a feature often missed by casual visitors. Subsequently in 2009 the church passed into the care of the Norfolk Churches Trust. Since then, with the help of English Heritage, a huge repair effort has been undertaken with the nave and chancel eves being strengthened, gutters downpipes and drains installed and all the windows restored giving the interior much needed light. The north door has also been unblocked and restored.
A service is held each year at the end of June, to celebrate the Patronal Festival.
The nave and chancel windows date from the 14th century with curious tracery. The font and screen date from the 15th century, as does the porch which still has its original roof.
The church is open on Thursdays and Fridays. At other times a key is available in the village shop at nearby Saxthorpe.
Corpusty Church – Art and Memory by Merlin Waterson. This very interesting article covers the conservation work at St Peter’s over recent years and the current collaborative work with the Lettering Arts Trust. You can read it here.
Find out more about this church on the Norfolk Churches website and the Norfolk Heritage Explorer.
