Reepham Benefice
This is the smallest of the four churches within the benefice – a reflection of the
population within the parish which has changed little in the 700 years since the
church was built.
The nave and the tower date from about 1300 and the north aisle was probably built some 200 years later. There was originally a chancel but by 1600 it was already uncared for and by the end of the 17th Century the roof had collapsed and the chancel was falling into ruin. Much of the stonework of the ancient chancel would have been used to build a new wall at the east end of the nave and the east window from the chancel was reset in this new wall.
For years Thurning was served by rectors of other parishes and a stable was built
close to the churchyard gate to house the rector’s horse during services. In 1824
the Reverend Henry Blake was 
appointed rector and he built himself a new rectory
in the village and inspired the church’s restoration, much of which was financed
by a local farmer, Samuel Johnson who owned a substantial part of the land within
the parish.
Henry Blake was a fellow of our patron Corpus Christi College Cambridge; at the time of his appointment the college had built a new chapel and he was able to bring much of the old chapel’s furniture to Thurning church. The impressive three decker pulpit together with the altar rail, the panelling at the east end, which includes the paintings of the creed and the ten commandments, and the box pews in the north aisle were all made up from the college furniture.
The three decker pulpit was designed by Sir James Burrough in the early 18th century.
He was a famous amateur architect in Cambridge and he also designed parts of the
Norwich Assembly Rooms.
The layout of the pews reflects the customs and social mores of the early 19th century. Each of the box pews would have been occupied by a farmer and his immediate family; the largest being occupied by the squire from the Hall. The labourers and their families sat on the central benches with men and boys on the right (with a line of hat pegs on the wall at their side) and the women and girls on the left. At the back of the church there are further box pews for the hall servants, the rectory servants and the rector’s coachmen. These had curtains between them, hung on brass rails, perhaps to prevent distracting glances from being passed!
Thurning is perhaps one of the most charming of Norfolk’s small village churches. Explore the church via our online photo tour. The Church is complete with a three-decker pulpit and dark oak fittings including box pews, a donation by Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The Prince of Wales is a regular visitor to Thurning Church more>
We welcome visitors throughout the week. Click the following link to find directions more>