West Somerton is a small village situated ten miles to the north
of Great Yarmouth and close to the Norfolk Broads, in an area of
fertile farmland and low lying grazing marshland. The Staithe, in
the heart of the village gives direct access to the River Thurne
which is a popular mooring spot for holiday makers.
St Mary's church, a grade II* listed building stands on a slight
rise above the village a mile or so from the Norfolk coast line. It
has a round tower, thatched nave, parts of which date from 11th
century, containing fine examples of 14th century wall-
paintings.
In the year 2000, there was a £54,000 complete restoration of
the tower, bell stock, bell chamber and bell. The bell is the
oldest inscribed bell in the county and is now rung for every
service. A project to re-glaze the east window and repair the
chancel was completed in December 2005 at a cost of £60,000.
The aim of the PCC is to restore the medieval wall-paintings
after the nave is re-thatched.
The church is now in the process of being re-thatched which will hopefully be completed by late summer. We are very grateful for assistance from English Heritage and other benefactors.
Sadly this means that the church will be closed to visitors until then. Sunday services will continue as normal but be held in the chancel.
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Pauline Burckitt - Churchwarden
Bank House
Horsey Road
West Somerton
Norfolk
NR29 4AB
Tel: 01493 393579
Other information
A Church Near You ID: 6106
Built: 11th & 13th Century
Style of worship: BCP and Informal
Our Patron: Dean & Chapter Norwich Cathedral