Community church saved from ruin after £10k donation means crucial repairs can be made

Oliver Partridge
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:59:26 +0000

A historic Norfolk church has secured a £10,000 grant from the National Churches Trust to carry out essential restoration work on its deteriorating structure.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Marlingford, situated west of Norwich, faces serious structural problems, with its roof in a state of failure and its tower deteriorating.

The Grade II listed building has been experiencing water ingress, whilst the medieval tower has been sealed off due to concerns about falling flint and masonry posing a danger to visitors.

Local residents have been actively fundraising to address the damage, and this substantial grant will support efforts to repair the church and stabilise the bell tower.

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Among the treasures housed within the church are stained glass windows located on the chancel's south side, which serve as a memorial to Edward Travers Fletcher - a 20-year-old Navy lieutenant from Marlingford.

Fletcher perished alongside 14 others when the submarine HMS A8 unexpectedly descended beneath the waters of Plymouth Sound in 1905, - its hatch remaining open during a training exercise.

His remains lie in the churchyard, with the commemorative windows depicting Faith, Hope and Charity.

Two of these windows were dedicated by his brothers, whilst the third was given by his fellow naval officers.

The church's origins stretch back nearly a millennium, with certain elements dating to the 12th century, though portions of the building underwent reconstruction during the Victorian period.

Its historical significance extends beyond the architecture itself, with the interior containing a font that has survived since the 12th century.

Visitors can also find tombs from the 17th and 18th centuries within the building, adding to its considerable heritage value.

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The combination of medieval craftsmanship and Victorian restoration work makes the church a significant example of English ecclesiastical architecture spanning multiple centuries.

Mark Pfeiffer, designated fabric officer at St Mary's, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received this grant from the National Churches Trust.

"Our beautiful church has been at the centre of this rural community for nearly a thousand years, and it would be a major loss to this community if it fell into serious disrepair."

He noted that villagers had demonstrated their commitment to preserving the building through participation in local fundraising activities.

"Although we still have some way to go this grant really makes an impact to our financial position. We will now continue fundraising with renewed vigour," Mr Pfeiffer added.

The church remains open to visitors daily.