Church History
The present church dedicated to St Peter and St Paul is basically the new church that was built in the 1300s, but much restored. By 1762 the roof of the Nave and Chancel had fallen in. To pay for repairs to the Nave the roof lead and some brasses were sold. The only remaining brass can be found behind a chancel pier. The chancel was repaired in 1863 when general restoration took place. During WW2 three bombs fell so close to the church that he had to be closed for worship for about a year.
The Tower
The tower is over 600 years old and stands 50 metres high. It has been used as a lighthouse beacon, warning shipping of the coastal hazards near Cromer before the current lighthouse was built. It would also have been used as a navigation aid by coastal seamen The spiral staircase leads to the roof. A solitary soldier could stop many enemies on the staircase as the direction of the spiral made it possible for him to wield his sword but his climbing enemies could not. Visitors can climb the tower. After 62 steps the bell ringing chamber is reached. This chamber once held 5 bells, but 4 of them were sold when the church needed money for repairs in the 1760’s. In 1874 five new bells were added to the original one.
The large box on the far side of the chamber contains the workings of the clock seen on the outside of the tower. It was installed in 1863.
Further up the staircase is a recess. It is believed that the hole that was once here gave access to a ledge on the outside of the tower. It was on that ledge that a beacon was lit to help passing ships. The recess is also known as Harry Yaxley’s hole. Harry was bird-nesting with a companion when he was either pusher of his companion let go off his leg. He fell 20 metres to the ground but sustained virtually no damage.
From the top of the tower there are great views in every direction. It has been used as a lookout position by townsmen through the ages in its early days against sea raiders and in WW2 as a fire watching post. The stone parapet is decorated with at the four corners are elaborate pinnacles with a Fleur-fe-lis decoration.
Inside the church
In the North aisle there is the base of a pillar behind the pulpit which belonged to the original church which was enlarged in the 1300s. The door leads to a flight od stairs and a room above the north porch. At one time this room Had a fireplace and was used regularly. The hagioscope gave the room occupant a view of the celebration of the Mass. The Royal Coat of Arms can be seen in the North Aisle and was placed in charches after the reformation as a sign of loyalty to the King.
In the South Aisle are special stained glass windows. The Rudland window shows images of the old Cromer lighthouse which was washed away in 1866 and aspects of the Coastguard Service. The theme of the Clarke Memorial Window is the life-saving work of the lifeboat and it’s coxswain, Henry Blogg. The blocked up doorway in the south aisle once led to the Rood loft.
The Cache
You are looking for a small vial. Please take care when retrieving the cache and this is a busy muggle area, particularly in the summer. You will need to bring your own pen. There are several car parks in the town but all charge a fee. It is possible to park in some of the streets for 30 minutes and on the edge of the town for a longer period.
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