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.
It has had a chequered history, having fallen into disrepair but a ‘something must be done’ moment during a visit by Lady Harrod in 1974 turned 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. Subsequently in 2009 it 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.
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.
Exhibition of Icons at St Peter’s – Friday 23rd June – Saturday 1st July
Preview Evening at 6.30pm. All are welcome
Saturday 24th June service of Evensong at 5pm
Saturday 24th June Exhibition open 11.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday 25th June Exhibition open 11.00am to 7.00pm
Monday 26th July to Saturday 1st July open 10.00am to 4.00pm
Download a flyer here
Find out more about this church on the Norfolk Churches website and the Norfolk Heritage Explorer.
