St Mary

In a tiny hamlet tucked away among Norfolk's lanes and fields, St Mary's is a church of distinction and beauty.

Shelton, Norfolk

Opening times

Sorry, there are no regular opening times for this church.

Address

Village
Shelton
Norfolk
PE28 0NP

It was begun by Sir Ralph Shelton in the 1480s. The tower is earlier, from the beginning of the 15th century and is built of flint unlike the rest of the church which is of brick with stone dressings. From the outside the two storey porch, large aisle windows and glasshouse like clerestory are striking.

The interior is just as pleasing, with tall piers above which are canopied niches and stone panelling. In the chancel there are many monuments to Sheltons, including one to Sir Ralph but perhaps the most interesting is that to Sir Robert Houghton. It shows four kneeling figures under a canopy on which is painted a chilling skull and crossbones.

There is excellent early 16th century stained glass in the church, especially in the chancel, where the three east windows have panels that include figures of Sir John Shelton and his wife, Anne Boleyn (not that Anne Boleyn but actually a close relative). Sir Ralph and his wife are shown in the central window.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

  • Gateway Grant, £5,000, 2022

  • Our Gateway Grants fund churches developing building projects and also urgent maintenance and repair projects to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Margaret

Hardwick, Norfolk

On the lanes just south of Shelton, Hardwick's little church is a contrast to its elegant neighbour.

St Mary Magdalene

Pulham Market, Norfolk

A flint church dating from the 14th century in a delightful Norfolk village and cared for by a vibrant church community.