Tuesday 1 February 2011

St. Margarets's Church Ruins, West Raynham


St. Margaret's Church ruins stand as a historic focal point in the centre of West Raynham - the largest village within the Raynhams. The church was first built in the 11th century. It must have been a fairly typical church for this part of Norfolk in the 14th-15th centuries. It had a small north aisle with a processional way beneath its tower. Sadly, it fell into ruins from the 1720s, when the lead roof was removed to help pay for the restoration of the grander St Mary's, in the Raynham Estate parkland at East Raynham. The ruins have now been freed from the clutches of choking ivy and elder, the flint work is secured and the surrounding graveyard is well tendered. It offers a quiet place for refelection and a gentle stroll amongst the interesting old tombstones where spreading views across a charming pastoral landscape delight the senses.