The mighty minster church of St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth
On Monday 7th November the Norwich Pit Stop History Health Walks members went ‘on tour’ and met with Pit Stop members from Great Yarmouth during a visit to Britain’s largest medieval parish church. The size of the church reflects the wealth accumulated by medieval donors to the church – largely from the herring fishing. However, over subsequent centuries the church has experienced a turbulent time. For instance, during the seventeenth century, it was sub-divided into three parts, with internal brick walls demarcating the Church of England congregation from the Presbyterian and Independents in their respective ‘zones’. By the eighteenth century the church was in a state of considerable decay and disrepair. However, during the nineteenth century the internal walls were removed and the church conserved. And so it remained until the fateful night of June 25th 1942 when German bombs caused the whole building to be gutted, leaving only the (badly damaged) walls and tower standing.
This ‘shell’ of the church remained until the late 1950’s when, due to the vision, drive and charm of the vicar, Canon Gilbert Thurlow, funding was secured to pay for the rebuilding. Architect, Stephen Dykes Bower, drew up plans that, among other things, opened up the huge internal spaces to great effect.
Space and light…
Dykes Bower was a champion of top-quality craftsmanship and this is exemplified in the fantastic wrought-iron screen for the south chapel. This was made by Eric Arthur Stevenson from Wroxham who was the finest blacksmith of his generation, as illustrated by the London Company of Blacksmiths awarding him the first Gold Medal for excellence in their 600-year history (see a short film made in 1971 about Stevenson HERE)
Eric Stevenson’s craftsmanship on display in the fantastic south chapel wrought-iron screen (the metal weighed fifteen tons and took six years to complete)
After the visit, the members walked the short distance to Duarte’s Cafe on Nelson Road, where we were very well looked after by the friendly owner. All-in-all, a great day!
Please note: unless we are going on a field trip, the Norwich History Health Walks meet every Monday at 11am outside our Norwich HQ. For further info, contact Colin Howey via colin@1136789091.n79310.test.prositehosting.co.uk
For details about the Great Yarmouth Pit Stop (that meets every Friday, 12-2pm), contact Nick Buck via nick@1136789091.n79310.test.prositehosting.co.uk
POSTSCRIPT: MensCraft would like to thank the staff and volunteers of St Nicholas for such a warm welcome – thanks! This magnificent church is open daily, 10am-midday. For further information, click HERE
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