St Margaret's Church, Hales
St Margaret's Church, Hales

St Margaret's church at Hales is one of the most complete Norman churches in Norfolk, a county renowned for its superb early medieval churches. Indeed, Hales seems like it has been lost in a time warp since the 12th century.

The church is composed of a simple nave leading to a rounded apse. Both of these are thatched. At the west end stands a round tower, so common in Norfolk churches (124 churches in Norfolk have round towers according to Wikipedia).

The Norman north doorway is superb; it is composed of a remarkable six orders and is beautifully carved. Another wonderful Norman door, though less richly carved, stands in the south wall. The interior features some quite complete medieval wall paintings, including those of St Christopher and St James, identifiable by his pilgrim's staff.

The figure of St James, the patron saint of pilgrims, suggests that Hales was a stop on the route of pilgrims on their way to the shrine at Little Walsingham. Above the chancel arch are figures of two angels which may be part of a 'Doom' painting.

The chancel arch is richly carved, as are the column capitals. A painted foliated border runs around part of the chancel. One of the most modern features of the church is the font, a comparative youngster at only 5 centuries old. The font is octagonal, supported by angels, and carved with Tudor roses about the bowl. At the base of the font stand eight carved lions.

Hales church is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.  Nearby is another excellent Norman church at Heckingham (also in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust). The church is located just off the A146 road between Norwich and Beccles. If you enjoy historic churches, don't miss Hales.

More Photos

About Hales Church
Address: Church Lane, Hales, East Anglia, Norfolk, England, NR14 6QL
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: 12 miles south of Norwich, just off the A146. Limited parking.
Website: Hales Church
Churches Conservation Trust
Location map
OS: TM384962
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express


HERITAGE

HeritageWe've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.

Historic Time Periods:

Medieval
Tudor

Find other attractions tagged with:

15th century (Time Period) - Medieval (Time Period) - Norman (Architecture) - Tudor (Time Period) - wall paintings (Historical Reference) -


NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest

Raveningham, St Andrew's Church - 0.9 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Heckingham, St Gregory's Church - 0.9 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Raveningham Hall - 0.9 miles (Garden) Heritage Rating

Bungay, Holy Trinity Church - 5 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Bungay, St Mary's Church - 5 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating

Bungay Castle - 5 miles (Castle) Heritage Rating

St Olave's Priory - 5.1 miles (Abbey) Heritage Rating

Herringfleet, St Margaret's Church - 5.5 miles (Historic Church) Heritage Rating



Nearest Holiday Cottages to Hales Church:


  More self catering near Hales Church

Show self catering cottages near Hales Church