The Matlaske Benefice comprises of 7 wonderful parish Churches in North Norfolk.
The Benefice seeks through all it does to radiate the love of Christ through prayer and service.
Matlaske, Plumstead, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, Corpusty & Saxthorpe, Hempstead, and Barningham Winter
Nestled in the gently undulating rural landscape of North Norfolk anyone spying the ruinous tower of St. Mary’s Barningham Winter would be justified in thinking that there was a romantic ruin which by luck more than design has survived. This could not be further from the truth. Come and see for yourself...
According to the Doomsday Book of 1086 there was a church in Baconsthorpe. The current Church dates from the 14th century and is made of flint and stone. It is in good order and was completely restored in the late 19th century. It can seat over 200. There is an open area at the back of the church with a children’s play area and a table for general use, chairs may be placed there when required. Visitors greatly appreciate the Easter Sepulchre and the memorial to the Heydon’s who built Baconsthorpe Castle.
We have the newest church in the benefice, consecrated in 1884. The old church had fallen into such a state of disrepair that Canon Walter Marcon, whose father was rector here before him, decided to build a new church more - central to both halves of the village, The Street and The Green. This was quite an undertaking - come and visit and find out more!
Hempstead All Saints is an active church well supported by the community. If you are interested in the history there are a couple of leaflets in the church written by Robin Carver on the history of the village and the contents of the church. If you would like to take one home then please do leave a donation.
St Peter’s church in Matlaske lies in the middle of the rural area to the south of Holt. And even though this small village is only 6 miles away, it feels like a different world; especially on a sunny day.
This wonderful church has its origins in the 12th century but has numerous later additions. It comprises a nave (13th century), chancel (14th century), west tower and clerestory. The south aisle of this church was demolished sometime before the 19th century. It is a flint built structure with clunch ashlar dressing. However, the north wall is made from unusual herringbone pattern carrstone conglomerate of an early date (12th century). Interesting external features include the fishscale tiled west tower with carved stone gargoyles adorning each corner. Inside there is a plain octagonal font, decorated Easter Sepulchre (14th century) and numerous beautiful stained glass windows, several of which are made from 16th/17th century Flemish glass and which were brought here from Catton Hall in 1952.
More than you can imagine...