Hales, Norfolk - St. Margaret
The redundant church of St. Margaret is in Hales, to the south-east of Norwich. It's a small parishes founded by Saxon settlers, then the Normans rebuilt the church in flint and stone and then the later medieval period brought little wealth to replace them resulting in St. Margaret's being one of the most complete Norman churches in Norfolk and more or less unchanged since it was first built in the 12th. century.
The west tower is 12th. century, but the top part was rebuilt in the 14th. century, with different flintwork including some brick. The shallow chequer parapet of black and white cut flints and some early brick was added in the 15th century.
The church is composed of a simple nave leading to a semi-circular apse complete with 13th century windows. Both of these are thatched.
Inside the 12th. century tower arch was blocked in the 18th century, when a gallery was added across the west nave. Below the gallery stands the late 15th. century lion octagonal font, with seated lions round the stem and angels with shields alternating with Tudor roses round the bowl. There are demi-angels with overlapping wings supporting the bowl. On the walls are traces of 14th. century paintings.
In the 1890's a 'light touch' restoration was carried out by diocesan surveyor, Herbert Green.
The church was rescued by the then Redundant Churches Fund in the 1970's and is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Windows were smashed and a communion rail was broken off and stolen from the church in an act of vandalism which is thought to have occurred on 1st. January 2022.
St. Margaret's gained Grade: I listed building status on 5th. September 1960. (English Heritage Legacy ID: 227024).
Hales, Norfolk - St. Margaret
The redundant church of St. Margaret is in Hales, to the south-east of Norwich. It's a small parishes founded by Saxon settlers, then the Normans rebuilt the church in flint and stone and then the later medieval period brought little wealth to replace them resulting in St. Margaret's being one of the most complete Norman churches in Norfolk and more or less unchanged since it was first built in the 12th. century.
The west tower is 12th. century, but the top part was rebuilt in the 14th. century, with different flintwork including some brick. The shallow chequer parapet of black and white cut flints and some early brick was added in the 15th century.
The church is composed of a simple nave leading to a semi-circular apse complete with 13th century windows. Both of these are thatched.
Inside the 12th. century tower arch was blocked in the 18th century, when a gallery was added across the west nave. Below the gallery stands the late 15th. century lion octagonal font, with seated lions round the stem and angels with shields alternating with Tudor roses round the bowl. There are demi-angels with overlapping wings supporting the bowl. On the walls are traces of 14th. century paintings.
In the 1890's a 'light touch' restoration was carried out by diocesan surveyor, Herbert Green.
The church was rescued by the then Redundant Churches Fund in the 1970's and is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Windows were smashed and a communion rail was broken off and stolen from the church in an act of vandalism which is thought to have occurred on 1st. January 2022.
St. Margaret's gained Grade: I listed building status on 5th. September 1960. (English Heritage Legacy ID: 227024).