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| Although in a small hamlet now, this church has one of the most atmospheric and fascinating interiors in Norfolk, full of historic detail and a sense of holiness. Nearby is the grand church of St James the Great at Castle Acre, where there is the ruins of a great priory and a castle. |
 Externally, the building is rather curious, its south and north sides being completely different in character. The north face, which it turns to the road, is organic and earthy, full of 14th century grandeur. The south side is crisper and of the character of the 15th century, although this is mainly the result of 19th century restoration. The entrance is from the north, and you step into a perfectly rural and ancient space, with brick floors spreading in all directions, and the rugged, primitive Norman font topped by a Perpendicular canopy which lifts the eyes to the beautiful hammerbeam roofs. To the east runs a homely, low arcade, dividing off the north aisle. This aisle contains the most significant feature of the church, the Barkham mausoleum of the early 17th century, behind a contemporary wrought iron screen. It was made by the Christmas Brothers, and features Sir Edward and Lady Penelope lying together, their heads facing west. It is the details of the tomb which catch the eye: Life as a young girl, and death as a grinning, shrouded skeleton, flank the inscription, while an hour glass sprouts gilt wings. Below, two sons and three daughters kneel in prayer, but they seem distracted, lost in thought and peering around corners. Between them, a charnel cage is filled with the skulls and bones of the Barkham dead. The whole piece is utterly enchanting. |
| Inside St.George's Church |
 There is a smattering of medieval glass in the north aisle, and bench ends which are probably a century earlier than the font cover. But even if it was not for these, the utter charm of this pretty interior would be enough of an enticement.And little details that speak of the care of centuries past; the stone memorial in the chancel wall tells us that, in August 1725, the Reverend Mr William Brocklebank ''pavid this chancel with stone at his own charge, had the gravestones clean'd and laid even, removid none that had any inscription, but gave three plain ones to be laid in the body of the church''. There are ledger stones in the north aisle to an 18th century Rector, George King, and his relict Elizabeth, and pretty bench ends carved by an early 20th century successor, including a snail, a frog and a fish. It all builds to a harmonious whole, the perfection of a gorgeous, rustic little village church, the slowly beating heart of its parish. |
| More Churches |
| To explore some of the other fascinating Churches and Cathedrals in Norfolk, please choose from any of the links below. St. John's Roman Catholic Cathedral Norwich Cathedral St. Margaret's, Kings Lynn St. Mary, Brancaster St. Helen, Ranworth St. George, South Acre St. Martin, Thompson Round Towered Churches |
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