About Us

A traditional village church, set in the heart of the community of Brettenham. We welcome everyone, regardless of age, nationality, ability, sexuality, gender, marital status or any other factor. 

Saint Mary the Virgin, Brettenham (Grade One listed building)

Architectural Significance

The nave of the church was constructed in the 14th century and the chancel in the perpendicular style early in the 15th century (c. 1420). There are some significant features that, whilst not unique, are important. For example, unusually the church tower is integral with the porch, rather than the more normal separate arrangement found in the majority of East Anglian churches.

The octagonal font is also of the 14th century, the pulpit is notable for its traditional ‘wine-glass’ construction, the altar rail is c. 1700, and in addition, there is the diptych on either side of the east wall behind the altar, designed and presented by Henrietta Louisa Beale of Brettenham Hall on the occasion of her marriage in this church in May, 1881.

There is a variety of attractive stained glass, including some medieval fragments, and one window with the figure of Christ, holding the flag of St George, carries the armorials of the Warner & Maude families also of Brettenham Hall. There are several floor and mural memorials to members of the Wenyeve or Winniffe family who lived in the village for over five centuries and became lords of the manor of Brettenham in 1630. The oldest surviving memorial is a small brass of 1611 to Thomas Winniffe with an inscription thought to have been written by his brother-in-law, the great 17th-century divine, Joseph Hall, sometime Bishop of Exeter and Norwich.

A brass tablet on the south wall bears the names of the men of Brettenham who gave their lives for their country in the two world wars; there is no war memorial elsewhere in the village.

On the west wall 3 wooden benefaction boards show how a tradition of philanthropic giving in the village goes back many centuries. The name ‘Brettenham’ was deleted during WW2 in case the country was invaded, but one of the mentions was missed !

Rector   Rev Sharon Grenham-Thompson

Tel:07894467157   email: [email protected]

Churchwarden Annie Tavener  

Email : [email protected]