A 14th-century church in the English town of Thetford is set to be restored, thanks to a new initiative by the local Town Council and support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. St. Peter’s Church, one of the last surviving medieval churches in the town, has been out of use for decades and faces significant structural challenges—but that may soon change.
Located in Norfolk, eastern England, Thetford was once a major ecclesiastical centre. Of the many medieval churches that once dotted the town, only three remain today. St. Peter’s, known locally as “the black church” because of its distinctive flint chequerboard exterior, stands in the heart of the town centre. The building dates to the 14th century, with major renovations in the late 18th century, and is recognised as a Grade II listed site.
Interior of St Peters Church in Thetford -photo courtesy Thetford Town Council
In recent years, the church has suffered from neglect and deterioration, including damage to the roof, the tower louvres, and an infestation of death watch beetles. The building also requires updates to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. Despite this, the church remains a significant symbol of Thetford’s historical and architectural heritage.
Earlier this month, Thetford Town Council announced that its initial application—an Expression of Interest—to the National Heritage Lottery Fund had been accepted. This marks the first formal step toward securing funding for the restoration of St. Peter’s. The project is part of the council’s broader Heritage Masterplan, which aims to revitalise Thetford’s historic buildings and bring them back into public use.
The council is working with conservation specialists Tricolour Associates to develop a more detailed funding proposal. The team is also consulting with Historic England to ensure that all plans meet national standards for conserving listed buildings.
Wooden carving of the Last Supper within St Peters Church in Thetford – photo courtesy Thetford Town Council
“St. Peter’s Church is woven into the fabric of Thetford’s history,” said Councillor Annie Blackbourn, Chair of the Heritage & Events Committee. “It is a building that holds stories from across the centuries and deserves to be safeguarded for future generations. We’re proud to be moving this forward and are committed to seeing it brought back to life. If successful, this project will help restore the church as a civic space where residents and visitors alike can reconnect with the town’s heritage.”
The ultimate goal is not only to preserve St. Peter’s as a heritage asset but to transform it into a vibrant community space. If funding is secured, the building will be stabilised, restored, and reopened to the public—reviving a key piece of Thetford’s medieval legacy for generations to come.
A 14th-century church in the English town of Thetford is set to be restored, thanks to a new initiative by the local Town Council and support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. St. Peter’s Church, one of the last surviving medieval churches in the town, has been out of use for decades and faces significant structural challenges—but that may soon change.
Located in Norfolk, eastern England, Thetford was once a major ecclesiastical centre. Of the many medieval churches that once dotted the town, only three remain today. St. Peter’s, known locally as “the black church” because of its distinctive flint chequerboard exterior, stands in the heart of the town centre. The building dates to the 14th century, with major renovations in the late 18th century, and is recognised as a Grade II listed site.
In recent years, the church has suffered from neglect and deterioration, including damage to the roof, the tower louvres, and an infestation of death watch beetles. The building also requires updates to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. Despite this, the church remains a significant symbol of Thetford’s historical and architectural heritage.
Earlier this month, Thetford Town Council announced that its initial application—an Expression of Interest—to the National Heritage Lottery Fund had been accepted. This marks the first formal step toward securing funding for the restoration of St. Peter’s. The project is part of the council’s broader Heritage Masterplan, which aims to revitalise Thetford’s historic buildings and bring them back into public use.
The council is working with conservation specialists Tricolour Associates to develop a more detailed funding proposal. The team is also consulting with Historic England to ensure that all plans meet national standards for conserving listed buildings.
“St. Peter’s Church is woven into the fabric of Thetford’s history,” said Councillor Annie Blackbourn, Chair of the Heritage & Events Committee. “It is a building that holds stories from across the centuries and deserves to be safeguarded for future generations. We’re proud to be moving this forward and are committed to seeing it brought back to life. If successful, this project will help restore the church as a civic space where residents and visitors alike can reconnect with the town’s heritage.”
The ultimate goal is not only to preserve St. Peter’s as a heritage asset but to transform it into a vibrant community space. If funding is secured, the building will be stabilised, restored, and reopened to the public—reviving a key piece of Thetford’s medieval legacy for generations to come.
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