St Andrew’s, Quidenham by Matthew McDade

St Andrew’s, Quidenham

Open from 10am until dusk.

Parking nearby

Important stained glass

Grade II*

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St Andrew’s, Quidenham by Matthew McDade

St Andrew's Church has stood on the banks of the River Whittle for over one thousand years. It has an unusual tower, the result of an early Perpendicular octagonal bell stage being built on a Saxon/ Norman round tower and finished off with a substantial spire of the same period. Look closely at the buttresses of the south aisle which are inset with the Instruments of the Passion, IHS and 'M' for the Virgin Mary. The chancel and nave date to the mid 14th century. Items of interest inside include a Stuart Royal Arms, an early 17th century poorbox and three short Saxon pillars built into the north wall of the sanctuary. At the east end of the south aisle is a memorial chapel dedicated to the 96th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) which was based at nearby Snetterton Heath Airfield. The east window depicts an airman and radiant Christ. On the altar is a selection of photos and newspaper cuttings. There is also a Roll of Honour.

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Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk's easterly position jutting out into the North Sea meant that it was well placed to facilitate aerial missions in occupied Europe during the Second World War. Furthermore, its flat terrain was ideal for airfields, particularly bomber stations. This predominantly rural county saw the building of thirty airfields on its land and a huge influx of allied servicemen into its midst by way of the 'Friendly Invasion'. Norfolk's proximity to occupied Europe brought with it a risk of invasion and in 1940 the East Anglian coast was declared a Defence Area which resulted in strict restrictions on movement in and out. A series of defences was constructed and many pillboxes can still be seen dotted across the landscape. Airfields were attacked by German bombers and, whilst they were well defended and the raids did not cause serious damage, these attacks struck fear into the local communities. In addition, Norwich was targeted in the 'Baedeker' bombing raids of 1942 and King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth also suffered, with the latter losing St Nicholas' Church (now Great Yarmouth Minster). The Royal Norfolk Regiment fought with great distinction in the Second World War and five members were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest number of any British regiment in the conflict. The Regiment saw action at Dunkirk and in Normandy, North Africa and the Far East. Key events which greatly affected Norfolk families include the Le Paradis Massacre in 1940, and the surrender of Singapore in 1942 in which three battalions of the Royal Norfolk Regiment were captured and held prisoner by the Japanese until September 1945. Several battalions were used in home defence roles and as reinforcements for the overseas battalions. Norfolk's churches once again became quiet witnesses to the sorrow of war and a focus for mourning and commemoration. Some were permanently destroyed but others rose from the ashes.

Norfolk Churches and the First World War

Over 11,000 Norfolk men left to fight in the First World War and lost their lives. The term Thankful Villages is given to the 53 parishes nationwide which were lucky enough to welcome all of their servicemen home. There are no such villages in Norfolk. The unsurpassed wave of public remembrance generated more than 100,000 war memorials in the UK. These took the form of plaques, monuments, gardens, memorial halls and, of course, village memorials featuring the Cross of Sacrifice complete with the downturned sword indicating peace. Churches provided an outlet for the nation's grief, becoming a focal point for commemoration with the installation of memorials but also by way of the service held every Remembrance Sunday in which the names of the fallen are read out. The following Norfolk churches each have particularly poignant and interesting links to the First World War.

Via Beata: Way of Blessing

The Via Beata is a pilgrimage route over four hundred miles long. The project aims to establish a trail of artworks (way-stations) across the UK from east to west, roughly following a line from Lowestoft in Suffolk to St David's in Pembrokeshire. These way-stations are being linked by existing footpaths and public rights-of-way so that pilgrims can walk or ride across the UK and be presented with the good news about Jesus. The way-stations are located in a variety of places; some are on public land, some are on land owned by churches and others are on private land next to a public footpath. In 2009, the first way-station was established in Banham, Norfolk. It is proposed to place them approximately ten miles apart along the whole length of the route. The artworks are designed to communicate the message of Jesus in an accessible way for people of all ages and are produced by way of commission or by church and community groups. A number of churches and church organisations are offering a place for pilgrims to stay as they walk the route. Detailed downloadable route guides are available on the Via Beata website.

St Andrew’s, Quidenham

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Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk Churches and the First World War

Via Beata: Way of Blessing

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St Andrew’s, Quidenham

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Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk Churches and the First World War

Via Beata: Way of Blessing

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Explore by Location & Feature