All Saints, Beeston Regis
Open dawn to dusk: Easter to the end of October and in winter months on Saturday and Sunday only.
All Saints' Church is a gem on the North Norfolk coast, positioned on high ground. The church is a local landmark as it stands in comparative isolation near the cliff tops. The late 11th century/early 12th century square tower is unusual for the time when most Norfolk churches were built with round towers which were easier to build. The church is worth visiting simply for its fine 15th century rood screen featuring the twelve apostles. Though much restored it originates from the 15th century, having been completed in around 1480, and the painted panels date from that period. Like many screens this one suffered from neglect and possibly also deliberate damage in the Reformation, the Puritan era and the anti Gothic art movement in the 18th century. The high altar in the chancel dates from 1946. It is of carved oak and was given in memory of Flying Officer Richard Wyndham Ketton Cremer He was brother of the owner of Felbrigg Hall but more importantly he was the owner of Beeston Hall. It was Richard’s unfortunate death (he was was killed on active service in Crete in 1941 that resulted in Beeston Hall being used as a school which eventually bought the Hall when opportunity arose. The pews in the centre of the nave date from Victorian times but those in the aisles contain remains of older pews, possibly 15th century, including the carved pew ends, known as poppyheads, thought to be derived from the French word “poupee” – puppet or figurehead. There are carved animals on the arms of the old Clerk’s chair.
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