A church has stood on this site for over 1000 years. Building on the present church began in the 13th century. The fine tower arch dates to the 15th century. The tower itself has served as a watch tower and is still used as a landmark by sailors. In was restored as a memorial to the Gorleston lifeboatmen who lost their lives at sea. The church suffered greatly from the iconoclasm carried out by William Dowsing in the early 1640s. At Gorleston the local people did not assist him in raising ladders. The Seven Sacrament font was defaced but the paintings of Moses and Aaron survive in the stores of the Museum of Norwich. The Royal Arms are those of Charles I. Following the break with Rome, Henry VIII asked that Royal Arms be displayed in churches as a reminder of his authority, a practice which continued until its decline after Queen Victoria's reign. Other items of interest include the 14th century oak chest, the Bacon Brass and the church fees board. The 13th century Bacon Brass was thought to have been destroyed by Dowsing but it resurfaced in 1830 with the legs missing. It was returned to the church. It is situated on the north wall of the Lady Chapel. The brass depicts Sir John Bacon clad in armour with crossed legs.