Rackheath Magna, as it was known in 12th century, was made redundant in the 1970s and the Norfolk Churches Trust acquired the lease in February 1981.
The church itself is full of light thanks to the clear glass. There is a fine thirteenth century arcade and an interesting hexagonal font dating from 1639 which was damaged when the church became redundant.
Amongst the many memorials to the Pettus and Stracey families at Rackheath Church is one produced by the studio of the most famous sculptor Norwich produced. Thomas Rawlins was born in 1727 and had a studio in Norwich producing high quality funerary memorials for over forty years. Keen to promote his studio, his works are invariably signed which makes them easy to identify. His memorial at Rackheath commemorates Sir Horatio Pettus, who died in 1772, and is of black and white marble with two delightful cherubs at its base.
All Saints is signposted with a brown Heritage sign on the Wroxham Road: continue down Swash Lane NR13 6QT. The church is open during the day over the summer months.
Visits can be arranged in advance by contacting the office. 01379 677272 or email secretary@norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk N.B. the office is not always manned, and is closed on Fridays, over weekends and Bank Holidays. (September 2021)
Find out more about this church on the Norfolk Churches website and the Norfolk Heritage Explorer.
