St Peter and St Paul’s, Carbrooke
Open daily dawn to dusk.This large church boasts an intriguing history. In the mid 12th century a house for the Knights Templar stood in the field directly south of the church and was unique in Norfolk. The order was suppressed under King Edward II and the lands given to the Knights Hospitaller, eventually falling victim to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The elegant 15th century tower features sound holes of small quatrefoils surrounding a central shield. The chancel dates from the late 13th century and has beautiful Decorated tracery. Look up at the angels on the arch-braces and the wall posts. Evidence of the Knights Templar can be found in the chancel - there are two grave slabs bearing the order's cross. The Latin translates as 'A mother of the family of Clare, by a soldier of which family, England boasts herself renowned lies here' alongside 'a son rests at the right hand of his mother, returning to his own birth, he has sought his harbour.' These likely commemorate the foundress and her son and date to the early 13th century.
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