St Mary and St Thomas of Canterbury, Wymondham
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 3pm (4pm in summer)
The buildings known as Wymondham Abbey are the remains of a monastery, founded in 1107 by William d'Albini. Excavations in 2002 discovered the fabric of a late Saxon or Norman church beneath the nave of the current church, and an earlier burial indicating the presence of a Saxon church nearby. The north aisle and nave were used by the town and the chancel was used by the monks of the abbey. This dual usage produced two towers, one at either end of the nave. Originally the church had two western towers with a third over the central crossing. This became unstable in the late 14th century and was rebuilt further west. The two western towers were replaced by the existing western tower from 1448 onwards. This magnificent church boasts a magnificent gilded altar screen by the great Gothic Revival architect Ninian Comper, a 15th century hammerbeam roof with a host of angels, and a 15th century font complete with carvings of the symbols of the Evangelists, lions and woodwoses. Refreshments are available in the church. There are also toilets and a shop.
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