Reepham & Wensum Valley Team Churches - at the Heart of the Community

Bylaugh

Bylaugh

The Grade 1 listed church at Bylaugh, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, has a round tower dating back to either Saxon or Norman times with evidence of even earlier Roman bricks having been used in its construction. The main body of the church was remodelled in the first decade of the 19th century for Sir John Lombe Bart of Bylaugh Hall.
The church is unusual in Norfolk for having retained in full its internal layout and furnishings from late Georgian times including a triple decker pulpit, box pews, fireplaces and harmonium. It almost entirely escaped Victorian remodelling, presumably because the Lombe family preferred it so but also perhaps because there was only the one Rector of this church, Rev. L. Norgate, from 1836 until his death 72 years later in 1908 and he would not allow any changes. Halfway along the nave there is a fine medieval brass, in excellent condition, to Sir John and Lady Joan Cursin, dated 1471.
Although still without electricity or running water the church and churchyard are very much active; there is one service of Holy Communion and one service of Matins each month and the annual Carol Service sees the building packed with parishioners and friends.

The hamlet has no centre and essentially comprises two farms, Bylaugh Hall and various barns and village houses. The population at the last census was less than 70.

Help us serve our local community.

If you would like to make a one off or monthly donation to support our church building and our Church community, please visit the Diocese website here. Every donation helps us to maintain these beautiful buildings as well as supporting the work we do in parishes.

Community

St Mary’s, Bylaugh is open by appointment for private prayer. Please contact the Church warden for further details.

Activities, Services & Events

Activities, Services & Events

Jan 12

Holy Communion (BCP)

January 12, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Jan 26

Matins (BCP)

January 26, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am

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Church Buildings

Our church buildings in the Reepham and Wensum Valley Benefice are as individual as those who have worshipped in them for hundreds of years. They each hold many interesting social and historical artefacts as well as providing spaces for peace, worship and celebration for the communities they serve today. Below are links to The Norfolk Churches website which will provide you with a taster of what you may find when you visit us. 

Click here for Simon Knott’s report on St Mary, Bylaugh on the Norfolk Churches website. 

Help keep our churches open – donate here

Contacts

Contacts

Church Warden:               Michael Hogger        01362 688872        mhogger@btinternet.com

PCC Secretary:                   Vacant

PCC Treasurer:                  Roger Lake                                                   lakeparkfm@aol.com

Safeguarding Officers:    Joy Kidell                                                     joykidell@gmail.com

Helena Riches                                            helena.riches@gmail.com