St Lawrence’s, Harpley

Open daily dawn to dusk.
Parking nearby
Important stained glass
Rood screen
Angel roof
On a bus route
Grade I

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This beautiful church of the early Decorated period was enlarged during the years 1294-1332 during the incumbency of John de Gurnay who was also the patron. The battlements of the south aisle were added in the 15th century and are enriched by carved shields bearing the arms of the Knowles family. The low window to the west of the priest's door may have been used for ringing a sanctus bell which was mounted outside. The south door is one of the very finest in Norfolk. It features Tudor roses, crockets and rich canopies. The wicket is traceried and has the signs of St Luke and St John. Niches contain mutilated figures of saints and the Four Doctors of the Church (St Gregory, St Jerome, St Ambrose and St Augustine). There is a lion at the bottom of the door and a stag on the east side. The great west window contains 15th century glass which is worth studying through binoculars. Notice the charming carved figures and animals on the bench ends. In the north aisle there is piscina with possible Saxon origins.

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