St Nicholas

Dereham's church is doubly impressive: not only is it a grand town church complete with integral tower, is also has a massive, quite separate, bell tower.

East Dereham, Norfolk

Opening times

We endeavour to keep the church open during the hours of daylight.

Address

Church Street
East Dereham
Norfolk
NR19 1DN

This detached tower is early 16th century, while the central tower in the body of the church has Norman foundations but is mostly of the 14th century.

The church is entered through the south porch, which itself is a key element of the building. It dates from the 15th century and has a rich array of carvings on it, including an Annunciation and angels. The interior has features from the Norman period through to the early 16th century, including lovely 15th century roofs in the transept chapel.

Parts of the chancel are 13th century, and it too has a lovely old roof. One of Dereham's great treasures is its sevensacrament font, with remarkably intact carvings. It is accurately dated to 1468.

St Withburga is Dereham's own local saint and founded a convent here in the 7th century. There are several reminders of her in the church, including a window from 1957 and a picture of her on part of a rood screen rescued from a nearby church. A well is dedicated to her in the churchyard and may date back to medieval times.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary the Virgin

Elsing, Norfolk

Built for Sir Hugh Hastings, this church has the widest nave in East Anglia with no aisles or columns a splendid uninterrupted space along with the magnificent memorial brass are just two of the many historic features of this 14th century church.

St Mary the Virgin

North Tuddenham, Norfolk

Treasured church with a 14th century tower, loved for its stained glass windows, rood screens, windpipe organ and unique wall tiling.