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The Norfolk and Norwich Christian community website

Norwich historic churches website launch

NHCTLogoThe Norwich Historic Churches Trust has launched a new website, giving details on Norwich’s fine array of 36 Mediaeval churches, the largest number in any city in northern Europe.
 
The new site provides architectural and historical details of all 36 Norwich Medieval Parish Churches with educational material and visiting information.
 
At present Norwich monastic churches and medieval churches outside the old City walls are not included, neither is the largest church of all - Norwich Cathedral.
 
Norwich has the largest number of medieval parish churches of any city in northern Europe. The majority of these are in the care of the Trust as they are no longer used for worship.
 
The site was built and written by volunteers Michael and Frances Holmes, the culmination of four months' work.
 
StMichlPleaFrances said: “The website not only provides information about the Trust and the 18 churches in its care but also the three in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, the nine living churches, the one in private ownership and five which are in ruins.”
 
“With the information provided, visitors to Norwich can plan their visits better and those not yet planning to visit our city will hopefully be encouraged to consider a visit.”
 
The Norwich Historic Churches Trust manages, preserves and maintains many of Norwich’s redundant medieval churches.
 
The Trust was established in 1973 by Norwich City Council to ensure that the city’s unique collection of medieval churches was preserved from the threat of demolition. It was triggered by a report commissioned by the then Bishop of Norwich suggesting that many of the Norwich city centre churches should be declared redundant due to falling congregations and the heavy cost of maintenance.
 
Accordingly they were at risk of demolition unless they qualified for financial assistance from the Redundant Churches Fund or if no suitable alternative uses could be found.
 
The freeholds were transferred to Norwich City Council which in turn established the Norwich Historic Churches Trust to hold them. The Trust holds the churches on 99 year leases and is responsible for their repair, maintenance and management. The Trust also has a responsibility to seek new and suitable uses which would count as ‘civic, public or educational purposes or for storage’.
 
You can contact the Trust administrator at norhistch.trust@btinternet.com or on Tel. 07867 801995
 

 


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