North Norfolk's Wool Churches

St. Peter and St. Paul, Salle

Heading north out of Reepham and you can't miss Salle church. The size of this church is impressive with the intention that its vastness and rich ornamentation were an offering to God. The church once had a staff of seven priests – all praying for their individual sponsors, until the reforms of Henry VIII changed all that and much of the elaborate interior was destroyed. You can still see clues to its former glory with the carvings, paintings, memorials and stained glass.

St. Michael, Aylsham

St. Michael’s sits in the bustling market town of Aylsham. Some stalls from the Monday market day can be found in the church along with the chance to sit and enjoy refreshments whilst listening to the organ. In earlier times in Aylsham, it was famous for its fine linen, known as the Web of Aylsham. This cloth graced the beds and tables of royalty but in later days the town became known for its equally fine Worsted cloth; Worsted is 10 miles to the east.

St Mary, Worstead

Sitting on the edge of the quiet village square of Worstead and just a short walk from the Bittern Line railway station, St Mary's church has an impressive square-tower and inside it is full of light and lots of points of interest. The church was rebuilt in the late 14th and 15th centuries after the Black Death devastation. This resulted in the perpendicular gothic style that can be seen today. Changes included the addition of the hammer beam roof, a fan-vaulted screen with painted figures, corbels decorated with the coats of arms of church patrons and a bell ringing gallery.

Later additions in the 15th century include the stepped font, and the early 16th century chancel screen, painted with 16 figures including, St William of Norwich and St Wilgefortis. In the 18th century, wooden box pews were added. The church attracts many visitors who come to experience the unique size, light and features. 

St. Margaret, Cley

The River Glaven was once a thriving and prosperous port in the14th century. Over the years, the channels have silted up and the trade is long gone. However, St Margaret's church reflects the wealth this busy port produced with its grandeur, great size and light streaming in through the clerestory windows. There are interesting carvings on the bench ends as well as a number of brasses. The north aisle contains a brass of John Islington STP (Sanctae Theologicae Professor), holding Chalice and Host, likely from the 1460s. It was usual to represent a priest in his Mass vestments, but this one is unusual in that it shows him in his Doctor’s cap and scarf.