Brief history of the church

Qualifying comments

An expert on writing church guides has pointed out to me that no-one can prove anything that happened about a thousand years ago and inevitably there are different theories. The short histories that I have read conflict in some ways.

So here is my inexpert summary of what seems likely to me, and I add further qualifying comments at the end. Readers are most welcome to criticize this effort. Telephone 01323 734429 or Email deh@allsaintschurchcroxton.org .

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The main structure of the church was built about 1280AD. The round tower seems to be Norman but, at least one expert is of the opinion that by measurements, the tower dates back to 900-1000AD, the chancel and nave to 800-900AD. Another expert places the tower post Norman by other reasoning.

Perhaps a run down Saxon church on the site was demolished and the present structure built to the same dimensions about 1280, and was either renamed or named All Saints.

There is little doubt that there has been a Christian church on the same site for over a thousand years. The first recorded Parish Priest was Simon Peche – 1316.

The walls are constructed of whole and cut flints, the tower wall being 3' 9" thick. A priests' door is 12th-13th century. The Wooden Hammer Beam inner roof was built with oak in the 14th-15th century. The font dates back to the 15th century and is large enough to immerse babies. The original south aisle was demolished about 1785, and believed rebuilt together with the addition of a vestry and porch and a general restoration in 1856. The spire was added about the same time. Christ’s College, Cambridge, rebuilt the chancel in 1884.

To come up to modern times, in 1989 the inner walls were redecorated by unguarded volunteer prisoners from Wayland Prison. This put Croxton on the map with articles in newspapers. A reception held in the church on completion was attended by church ministers, parishioners and the prisoners who brought Wayland’s Prison Governor along with them. The event formed part of a television news programme!

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There is so much more that can be said, but most people would find it pretty dry stuff. I did not find it easy getting information. The Church of England owns the property but their parish ministers come and go, and they are mainly concerned with spiritual matters, being too busy to do any research on church fabric. It seems reasonable to assume that the owners of a property would have information on its history – but – I have had no response from the Church of England. Two descriptive leaflets in the church contradict one another in some ways. I obtained some information from Thetford library but, no actual history of the church. Revd. Mark Pickett referred me to Mrs. E. M. Stilgoe of the Round Tower Churches Society and that lady gave me substantial help in the form of a long letter and enclosures. The letter came by return mail and was just what I wanted. The above text is made up from different sources; where one stated 12th century and another 13th century, I have stated 12th-13th because no-one really knows.

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The Domesday Book compiled by order of William the Conqueror has entries concerning the Parish. This page will be updated one day – can you do some research? If so, please email deh@allsaintschurchcroxton.org .

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