St Mary the Virgin
Whissonsett, Norfolk
14th and 15th century church restored in the 1870s with a magnificent organ and Saxon cross.
The first Rector was appointed in 1304 but his appointment was to the earlier Saxon church which stood where the present church stands today; the crypt is believed to have been below the original Saxon church.
It is one of the rare Norfolk churches in which many original furnishings and artifacts remain almost untouched. The church contains good examples of 13th and 14th century wall paintings, including the haunting face of St Bartholomew, the stooped body of St Christopher (dated c1360) and the unusual survival of St Andrew carrying his cross (dated c1360) which is on the south wall. Another slightly later painting of St Christopher is at the side of the north door.
St Bartholomew's is very fortunate in having two exquisite piscinas, including a triple sedilia cum piscina, 14th century font, and 15th century benches and box pews. The east window depicts the crucification and a glorious west window with fragments of medieval glass.
The church has a silver ecology award. The church is part of roof breakers - it has disabled access and facilities.