HERITAGE STATEMENT ST PETERS CHURCH THETFORD For THETFORD COUNCIL

HERITAGE STATEMENT
ST PETERS CHURCH
THETFORD
For
THETFORD COUNCIL
February 2013
DONALD INSALL ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ARCHITECTS . HISTORIC BUILDING & PLANNING CONSULTANTS
48 Sidney Street Cambridge CB2 3HX Tel: 01223 303111 Fax: 01223 303006
Email: architects@insall-camb.co.uk

CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 STATUTORY CONSTRAINTS
3.0 A HISTORY OF THE SURROUNDINGS
4.0 A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
5.0 THE CONTENTS OF THE CHURCH
6.0 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
7.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS
8.0 ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS
9.0 NEEDS AND JUSTIFICATION

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 St Peters Church is a medieval flint and stone church dating from the 15 th Century with additional
and alterations throughout its life up to the 20 th Century. Sited centrally in Thetford adjacent to
the Council Offices in Kings House, the church has not been used for religious purposes for
several years and was de-consecrated in 2008
1.2 During the last years of its use as a church, the congregation dwindled and the interior of the
church was adapted to reflect this with a re-ordering in the 1970’s at which time the font and the
pulpit were moved into the Chancel which retained its pews, the rest of the church being cleared
for secular use.
1.3 The more recent de-consecration of the church is indicative of the changing patterns of worship
in Thetford and this led to the purchase of the church by the Council in 2009 with the intention of
securing the building against decay and promoting a range of new viable uses to work towards
achieving a sustainable self supporting future.
1.4 The church is currently unoccupied and unused with the exception of the continuation of its bell
ringers. There is a long history of bell ringing in the church, its fine peal of bells is maintained
and is viewed as an important element to be preserved and continued into the future.
1.5 The interior of the church is suffering from lack of use, with the inevitable decay which this
brings through the absence of heating, ventilation and regular attendance to minor items of repair,
which then become major problems in time. The WCs which are sited in the extended 19 th
Century Vestry are in a poor state and require overhaul before further use.
1.6 The building is in need of a wholesale refurbishment, supported by a viable future pattern of use.
This application forms the first phase of this project and in intended to enable the early reoccupation
of the building by undertaking the minimum amount of work to allow this.
2.0 STATUTORY CONSTRAINTS
2.1 St Peters Church comprises the church and associated churchyards and boundary walls to its
north and south sides together with a vestry, now converted to lavatories on its east side. It is
linked by the wall of the Council Works Department on its east side to the single storey works
building and its associated two storey cottage which forms an extension to King’s House.
Together the buildings form a group, but St Peters Church is clearly a different building and
should be viewed as separate and distinct.
2.2 St Peters Church is Listed Grade II*. It was listed on 13 th May 1951, 10E Number 384849.
The listing description is as follows:
THETFORD TL8683 WHITE HART STREET 617-1/5/171 (South East side) 03/04/51 Church
of St Peter II* Parish church. C14 and C15. West tower rebuilt 1789. Flint and flushwork with
ashlar dressings. Tile nave and chancel roofs and lead north aisle roofs. West tower, nave, north
nave and chancel aisles and chancel. 4-stage tower with diagonal west buttresses and side east
buttresses. Ogeed west doorway with multiple mouldings below date: 1789. Ringing chamber
with 2-light Y-tracery north and south windows; upper ringing chamber with one 3-light Y-
tracery west window. 2-light louvred belfry windows. Crenellated parapet. Four 3-light
Perpendicular south nave windows under 4-centred arches separated by stepped buttresses.
Gabled nave roof. North nave aisle has a 3-light Perpendicular west window, an arched north
doorway with double sunk-quadrant mouldings and two 3-light cusped windows under flat hoods.

Later chimney separates nave from north chancel aisle. Four 2-light C15 north clerestory
windows. North chancel aisle pierced by 3 paired lancets. South chancel lit through two C19
three-light Perpendicular windows. Stepped side buttresses. Arched brick C20 door to right. 3-
light C19 east window. Running south from east buttress is a length of flint and brick wall
containing a stone pointed arch. INTERIOR: 4-bay north arcade with double chamfered arches
on octagonal piers. Moulded capitals and bases. Double-chamfered chancel arch with circular
responds. North aisle roof has C15 moulded principals and one tier of butt purlins, carved arched
braces and 4-centred wall arches. North chancel chapel with 3 arcade bays of double-chamfered
pointed arches and a C16 four-bay roof of flat-moulded principals and butt purlins. Boarded
barrel-vaulted chancel roof. C19 octagonal font in chancel. Seats and pulpit C19. West wall of
nave with painted Royal Arms of George III. 1
2.3 To the north of St Peters Church the churchyard is defined by the boundary wall of No 2
White Hart Street and its associated car park. This building formed part of the former
White Hart Inn together with No’s 2A, 4, 4A, 6 and 6A White Hart Street. This boundary
wall is affected by the proposed work.
2.4 No’s 2, 2A, 4, 4A, 6 and 6A White Hart Street are Listed Grade II. They were listed on the 10 th
March 1971 (amended 1 December 1993). IOE No: 384831.
The listing description is as follows:
THETFORD TL8683 WHITE HART STREET 617-1/5/153 (South East side) 10/03/71 Nos.2,
2A, 4, 4A, 6 AND 6A (Formerly Listed as: WHITE HART STREET (South East side) Nos.2-6
(Even)) GV II Formerly known as: White Hart Inn WHITE HART STREET. Former inn, now 2
shops and offices. C17 structure almost completely rebuilt C19, partly rebuilt late C20. Timberframed,
flint and brick. Pantile roof. 2 storeys. Facade with 6 first-floor window bays, irregularly
disposed. First floor rendered and colourwashed. Square carriage entrance to rear is set to left.
Left of this is a bowed C19 shop front with a C20 glazed doorway. Ground floor to right of
carriage arch rebuilt C20: 2 doors, a shop display window and a sash. Six 6/6 first-floor sashes.
Hipped roof. South return with three 6/6 horned sashes each floor under segmental heads.
Courtyard elevations extensively rebuilt late C20. 2-storey cross wing to rear of No.6 still has
exposed flint, clunch and brick construction. One first-floor blocked window retains 3 ovolomoulded
mullions. INTERIOR: cellar under No.2 much rebuilt. Ground floor of No.2 with timber
studs evident and a dragon beam to south-west room suggesting a former jetty. First floor with
chamfered and tongue-stopped bridging beams. Similar bridging beams survive elsewhere in Nos
4 & 6. 2
2.5 St Peters Church is located within the Thetford Conservation Area.
3.0 A HISTORY OF THE SITE AND SURROUNDINGS
3.1 The Historical Development of Thetford
“Thetford has a long and quite extraordinary history. It has been a military stronghold and a
cathedral town; a supply base on a prehistoric trading route; a monastic centre of worship and
learning; a significant industrial centre and the home of an Assize Court. Thetford has even had a
brief experiment as a spa resort and has gained world renown as the birth place of Thomas Paine.
The last Maharajah of the Punjab, Duleep Singh, made his home at nearby Elveden and his son
Prince Frederick later became Thetford’s most important benefactor.
1 Images of England website accessed 11/1/2013.
2 ibid

The fortunes of the town and numbers of its people have ebbed and flowed dramatically. At the
time of the Norman Conquest, Thetford was a flourishing Danish stronghold and one of the six
largest towns in England. But other, rival towns like Norwich and King’s Lynn soon provided
stiff competition for local markets and Thetford began a long decline, only recovering in the
eighteenth century with navigation improvements on the River Thet and industrial growth.
The nineteenth century was a period of consolidation for Thetford, but a crisis came in 1929 with
the closure of Thetford’s principal employer, Burrell’s Engineering works. More than five
hundred jobs were lost and the resulting exodus caused the population to slump by a quarter to
around 3,000 people – far less than there had been in the Saxon town nine hundred years earlier.
The military bases in the Second World War provided some temporary recovery to the local
economy but there was insufficient momentum to sustain the town in the post-war years and once
again, Thetford’s survival was under threat.
Thetford Borough Council responded by applying in 1952 to the London County Council for
status as a London Overspill town, in the hope of bringing new homes and factories to rescue the
town’s fortunes. A development scheme was approved and building began in 1958. Subsequent
phases of development in the 1960s have more than quadrupled the size of the town, bringing its
population to 21,588 (2001).
Origins and early history
Thetford is centred on the junction of the rivers Ouse and Thet. The town’s name means “the ford
used by many people” and is a reminder of the river crossing on the Icknield Way, the great
prehistoric trading route from the Cotswolds to Norwich. The track way was protected by an Iron
Age fort to the north of the river, which 1,500 years later became Thetford’s Norman castle. The
fort is believed to have been built by the Iceni tribe, which also had a stronghold to the north of
the town at Gallows hill and from where Boudicca may have launched her assault against the
Roman invaders.
Saxon Thetford
By the middle of the seventh century Thetford was wall established as a substantial settlement on
the south side of the Ouse, close to Red Castle at the western end of the present town. In the first
written reference to Thetford, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles record the occupation in 869 of the
Dames. Anglo-Scandinavian defences were constructed a few decades later, in a great semicircular
sweep from Red Castle to Nun’s Bridges. The western end of these earthworks remains
visible today. Within this defensive area, the Saxon settlement would have been very scattered,
with large tracts of open land amongst the houses.
The ditches and defences were strengthened in the 980’s, but they were insufficient to prevent the
sacking of the town by Swein of Denmark in raids in 1004 and 1010. Thetford grew to become
the centre of Danish occupation in East Anglia and, with its population of almost five thousand, a
town of comparable size to Lincoln, Oxford and Norwich.
Medieval Thetford
Thetford’s importance in the eleventh century is evident in the remains of its Norman castle,
which has one of the largest mounds (mottes) in the country, suggesting that it was intended to
have a permanent stone building on the top. The town also had a cathedral, St Mary the Greater,
on the site of the present Grammar School.

But Thetford’s fortunes were to be short-lived as it gave way to competition from other growing
towns, especially King’s Lynn and Norwich. The cathedral and bishop moved to Norwich in
1094 and the castle seems to have been demolished, at least in part, by 1173. To the south of the
castle, the market place was established, in the area currently occupied by Old Market Street and
Ford Street.
Monastic precincts expanded to fill the gap, with the founding of St Mary’s Cluniac Priory to the
west of the town. By the fourteenth century, a modest population of 1,500 was supporting five
monastic houses and 20 parish churches. Only three of those churches survive today – St Peter, St
Cuthbert and St Mary the Less.
The medieval town was mainly on the north bank of the river Thet. As well as blocks laid out
between Nether Row and Pike Lane, there was a further core of buildings round the White Hart
Street, Minstergate and King Street junction.
Decline and revival
The dissolution of the monasteries caused the collapse of Thetford’s already precarious economy,
and the population dwindled further. Recovery began in the late seventeenth century, with the
river made navigable to connect to King’s Lynn; the riverside tow path was improved and the
adjacent water meadows were drained and cultivated. Commercial trade on the river provided the
main source of income for Thetford’s town Corporation and formed the basis for corn milling,
malting and brewing, as well as tanning and paper and pulp milling. The main employer in the
town was Burrell Engineering, established in 1770 as makers of steam traction engines and other
agricultural machinery.
The late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century saw much rebuilding and consolidation
in Thetford, but almost wholly on the lines of the medieval, or even Saxon streets. In 1786 the
market place moved to its present day position, on the old Grassmarket. The Guildhall was
reconstructed (and rebuilt again in 1901). White Hart Street and Bridge Street were busy with
turnpike traffic from London to Norwich and had three coaching inns – the anchor, Bell and
White Hart. Some of the older timber framed buildings in the town were re-fronted in the
fashionable grey gault brick; later on, after the coming of the railway in 1845, imported red brick
became the norm.
By 1818, Thetford had enough confidence to promote a spa and riverside promenade, laid out by
John Burrell Faux. It was not a commercial success and the pump room closed after twenty years,
but Spring Walk, to the west of Nun’s Bridges, is a reminder of the venture and remains an
appealing path alongside the Little Ouse.
Twentieth Century Thetford
At the start of the twentieth century Thetford was a modest market town, supported by its
brewing, malting and engineering industries. The closure of Burrell Engineering in 1929 had a
catastrophic effect, creating more than 500 redundancies, and over the next ten years the
population dropped by a quarter, to around 3,000 people. The second world war air bases brought
some economic stability, but by 1952 Thetford faced yet more decline. To make matters worse,
the town had one of the worst sewer and drainage systems in the country, with no immediate
prospect for its replacement.
Thetford Borough Council saw that new homes and jobs were essential if the town was to be kept
alive. Accordingly, the Council established a Town Development Committee and applied to the
London County Council for an expansion (London overspill) programme. The proposals were
eventually approved in 1957 and the first new residents moved into their new homes in April
1959.

As noted, the population quadrupled, with four industrial estates as well as new housing,
sewerage and water works. The town centre demands were substantial and in the 1960’s there
was much redevelopment; the Riverside Walk shops replaced a group of former tannery
buildings; and the Carnegie Room and the Library were built on the sites of the old gaol and an
Elizabethan manor house. New building forms were introduced – pale, machine-made bricks, and
flat roofs, which owed nothing to local traditions. Perhaps the greatest change has been the
clearance of maltings and other riverside buildings to create open car parks and a much more
fragmented townscape than would formerly have existed. The ancient streets were largely
preserved, however, and even the new London Road to the west of the town largely traced the arc
of the Saxon defensive ditch and bank, created a thousand years earlier.” 3
3.2 A more detailed account of the development of Thetford is given in Pevsner Pages 699-722 of
Norfolk 2: Northwest and South (1999), which is appended to this report
3.3 David Osborne suggests in his talk which is reproduced in 5.0 following, that St Peters Church
was first included in Domesday, recorded in 1086 this early church was replaced by the earliest
surviving parts of the current church, the Chancel, in the 14 th Century and the Nave in the 15 th
Century. As indicated in 4.1 above the core of the present church was developed after the greatest
period of Thetford strength and had survived through the period of relative decline of Thetford in
which some 17 medieval churches plus the cathedral and five monastic houses were lost.
3.4 The survival of St Peters is very likely to have been linked to its prominent central position, and
its revived fortunes in the 18 th and 19 th Centuries when major repair and refurbishment projects
were undertaken are dependent upon this.
3.5 Its relationship with Kings House, visually, architecturally and perhaps functionally makes it a
very important element within the townscape of Thetford and it is inconceivable now that this
should ever be lost. As a building therefore its fortunes may have now changed and its continued
use, through its importance within its surroundings is guaranteed, although the nature of that use
is not certain and may change over time.
4.0 A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
4.1 The history of the church is well described in a talk given by David Osborne in 2000 to the
friends of St Peters Church and this talk is reproduced here:
St Peter’s Church by David Osborne
(A lecture/talk given in St Peter’s Church, November 2000)
“St Peter’s Church is first mentioned in Doomsday (sic) (The Book of the Day of Judgment) as
one of four churches appendant to St Mary-the-Great. Other Thetford churches also mentioned by
name: St John, St Martin, St Margaret and St Helen. Presumably, although it is not certain, the
present church stands on the same site as that mentioned in the survey and record made in 1086.
It is quite probable that at this time, St Peter’s Church was constructed of wood. Many pre-
Conquest churches were simple, wooden structures. Indeed, from excavations carried out at the
Grammar School, just a year or two ago by televisions “Time Team”, looking for evidence of the
former parish church of St Mary-the-Great that, in 1071 became the cathedral church of Bishop
Herfast, the archaeologists concluded that the cathedral was, most probably a wooden building.
There is also archaeological evidence at other sites in the town of pre-Conquest churches being
built of wood.
3 Urban Practitioners: ‘Moving Thetford Forward’ Vision and Development Strategy, 2005. Final Report pp 3-5

Of the early medieval church of St Peter’s we know very little, but it does stand at an important
and very early east/west – north/south crossing and adjacent to what was the medieval Manor
house, now King’s House. According to the 18 th Century historian, Francis Blomefield, the 2 nd
Earl Warren, Thetford’s feudal Lord, gave St Peter’s Church to the Cluniac Priory at Lewes, with
whom it continued until the dissolution. It is quite possible that St Peter’s Church was originally
built by the Manorial Lord as a private chapel. It then became a parish church at a later date. By
this time, land on the north side was occupied. Perhaps this goes some way to explain why it has
such a very small churchyard.
In 1291 a list of churches (numbering about 8,500 in England), was complied for taxation. It is
known as the “Taxation of Pope Nicholas VI”. Five of Thetford’s churches are listed: St Mary, St
Nicholas, St Cuthbert, St Giles and St Edmund. Unfortunately St Peter’s is not amongst them.
Was it then either too small or poor to be taxed at this time?
However, St Peter’s Church, along with eleven other local churches, does appear the following
century when in 1368 an inventory of church goods in the Archdeaconry of Norwich was made.
It lists the various sacred vessels, objects and garments that were used at the time.
The first description of St Peter’s Church, is that given in the early years of the 18 th Century,
when the historian the Reverend Francis Blomefield recorded something of the church for his
history of Thetford published in 1739. He wrote, “The Head Church of the three” .. “the present
building is of Freestone and Black Flint, and by the appearance of it, don’t seem to exceed the
time of Edward III, (1327-77) it hath six bells in a square tower, so cracked it seems very weak;
the Nave, North Isles, and two chapels are leaded, but the chancel is tiled. The plan of the church
– chancel, nave with north aisle and western tower is Early English (13 th Century).
Blomefield’s contemporary, the local historian, Thomas Martin, also described St Peter’s church
for his history of Thetford published posthumously in 1779. “It is built of free-stone and flint,
whence it has the vulgar name of “Black Church”. It consists of a chancel, nave, and two aisles,
the chancel tiled, the rest leaded. Its square west tower built on arches which open on the north
and south sides is much cracked, and contains six bells.
Fortunately, not only do we have this description from Martin but perhaps even more
interestingly, a drawing he made of the church, somewhere about the middle of the 18 th Century.

How much this drawing of St Peter’s Church differed from the church that stood there, say two
centuries earlier, we can not be sure. The west tower is there as described, “built on arches” and
Blomefield mentioned two chapels. And at the east end, on the south side, is a feature known to
date from the early years of the 16 th Century. This is a chantry chapel endowed by William
Tyllys, a gentleman landowner of the town, and was dedicated to St Katherine. William Tyllys
was buried in the chapel in 1501. From the moment of William Tyllys’s death, a trental – a series
of masses would have been celebrated over his body for the next thirty days. This, of course, was
before the Reformation. The whole church was then a wonderful scene of colour, full of painted
images and ornaments, stained glass windows and lighted candles. The chancel separated from
the nave by a decorated screen. Stairs, of which there is still some evidence, led to the roofloft
where the Holy Rood or Cross was in full view above the chancel screen. In 1511 Robert Love,
who was Mayor of Thetford in 1506, gave 40s. to the rood-loft, most likely for the supply of
lights or candles.
Before the Reformation, at the east end of the middle aisle, there was also another chapel, as
described by Blomefield. It was dedicated to St Anne, “in which there was a gild, to the honour
of that saint”. In 1483 Thomas Reynberd was buried in this chapel and gave a sum of money to
new glaze the windows, for painting St Paul’s tabernacle’ – a tabernacle is a niche in an interior
wall displaying the image of a saint. Money was also given to sustain the religious Gild of St
Anne.
Chantry chapels and religious guilds were dissolved in 1547, in the first year of the reign of
Edward VI, when throughout the Kingdom, the so-called Reformation swept away the images,
colour, richness and ritual of the Roman Church that had been a way of life for centuries. Six
years later, however, after the catholic Mary was crowned, the old practices returned and some of
the artefacts previously removed from the church, may well have returned to their rightful place
for a time. But it was a short-lived change of order, when two years later, Mary’s Protestant halfsister
Elizabeth was crowned Queen. All this religious upheaval, of course, made a difference to
the appearance and fabric of the parish church.
From the reign of Elizabeth, the parish had an important administrative role in local government
as Church and parish now took on many new secular functions and responsibilities that included
the care of the poor, previously in the care of the numerous monastic orders. And at some time
soon after the Reformation, the Chapel of St Catherin became the Church Vestry – where those
elected officers, the churchwardens and overseers, responsible for the government of the parish
would meet to conduct their business.
In the early years of the 17 th Century many of the communal events that formed an important part
of the pre-Reformation Church continued to be held in the churchyard. Church ales (to raise
money for church funds) and usually held on the feast day of the church dedication (St Peter’s
29 th June), rogationtide when the parish boundary was walked (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday
preceding Ascension Day – usually in May), plays and other ceremonies survived at least until
the 1640s when Civil War brought more changes, not only to religious doctrine but the fabric and
interior of the church. What icons and decorations escaped the Reformation, were destroyed by
Puritan seal. Moreover, Alan Crosby, in his history of Thetford published in 1986, tells us that
Thetford was an assembly point for soldiers before they headed westwards to join the
Parliamentarian armies. And in 1657, the power of the Anglian Church in Thetford was reduced
when the three parishes were consolidated into one meeting place, St Peter’s Church. However,
normality returned and a new order of worship after the Restoration in 1660.
The surviving parish registers date back to the middle of the 17 th Century.
We know from both Blomefield’s and Martin’s descriptions of St Peter’s Church that the tower
was in poor condition before the middle of the 18 th century. Even so, money was still being spent
on new bells. In 1747, £9.7s. was paid for casting a forth bell and a further 18s. 4d was paid to

have it brought from Norwich. From the Churchwardens Accounts it can also be seen what other
payments were made for the general maintenance and repair of the church and fabric. One
frequent payment was for new bell ropes and “the ringers”.
Towards the later part of the 1780s it was obvious that major restoration was needed to maintain
the tower and by early 1789 it had been decided to start a public subscription for, not only
rebuilding the tower, but enlarging and rebuilding the church and altering the churchyard. Lord
Petre (Lord of the Manor of Thetford) immediately contributed £500 towards the rebuilding.
Subscriptions eventually totaled £1,239 but there was still a deficiency of £845 16s. To meet this,
a rate of 2 shillings in the pound was levied on the parish rate payers until the debt was fully
discharged. How popular this rate was is not known, but I guess there must have been at least a
few objectors, particularly from the growing number of non-conformists who lived in the parish.
Less than ten years earlier the rate was just 11d. in the pound. It was over a 100% increase! Even
at the end of the 19 th Century the parish rate was only 1s. 6d. in the pound.
The St Peter’s Church that we have inherited is very much the church rebuilt between 1789 – 91
and when major restoration took place just over a century later. Between 1789 – 91 the tower was
demolished and rebuilt but no longer on the arches described earlier in the 18 th Century. A new
peel of bells was also hung in the tower. The old south porch was completely cleared and a new
main entrance into the church was created in the new west tower. Where the porch had stood, a
new stone window was erected. The vestry, once St Katherine’s Chapel, was demolished and a
new vestry was built at the east end of the north aisle.
The old lead was removed from the chancel roof and sold to be replaced with slate, as was the
roof of the Nave. Inside the church a new pulpit was installed as were new pews, a new
communion table and rail. At the east end of the chancel, a new “and finely executed window of
stained glass” was designed, made and fitted by Mr. George Bird Burrell. George Burrell’s bull
for painting and glazing cam to £111 9s. 11 3/4d. Another member of the Burrell family involved
with the restoration work was Joseph Burrell who was paid £18 6s. 9 3/4d for smiths’ work.
Joseph Burrell’s brother, James Burrell was a churchwarden in the 1820s and the father of the
famous, Charles Burrell (1817-1906). One parishioner, James Mingay, paid for a new and
handsome chandelier for the middle aisle of the church and also for iron pallisading around the
new churchyard wall.
In March 1791, at the completion of the extensive work, the new peel of eight bells, cast by
Thomas Osborn, bell founder, of Downham Market were rung. Not only were the local bell
ringers there for the occasion but ringers from different parts of Norfolk, Suffolk and
Cambridgeshire. Everyone seemed well satisfied with the restoration work and the quality of the
new bells which Mr. Osborn has been paid the sum of £364 –s 9d. which included the old bells.
Incidentally, these new bells weigh over 3.5 tons. As one observer reported, St Peter’s Church
had been “completely repaired and beautified”.
The parishioners were also now installed in their new and respective pews. There was a strict
allocation of pews for such as the parish elite, members of the Corporation, Boys of the Grammar
School, The George inn and the Abbey Farm. The pews in the middle aisle were reserved for the
wives of tradesmen. It was still the practice, in the latter part of the 18 th century, for men and
women to sit in separate pews at Service time.
Despite the extensive improvements towards the end of the 18 th Century, changes to the fabric of
St Peter’s Church continued once again in the second half of the 19 th Century. A new organ, paid
by public subscription, was erected in a gallery at the west end in 1853. Repairs to the tower were
undertaken in 1863 and four years later, subscriptions were sought for a new clock in the tower –
the present clock. In 1870 a new stained glass east window, was inserted by Shelford Bidwell,
replacing George Bird Burrell’s window. In 1875 the bells were re-hung once again.

We know from the 1851 Ecclesiastical Census just how many seats there were in St Peter’s
Church in the middle of the 19 th Century – 134 Free Sittings and 305 Other Sittings (allocated or
reserved), a total of 439. It was also recorded that at Divine Service held in the afternoon of
Sunday 30 th March 1851 the congregation numbered 414. It must be remembered that, in the
previous fifty years, the population of the town had almost doubled, yet the size of the
congregation was probably not much larger than it had been earlier in the 19 th Century.
In 1892-93, just over a century after the last major building work, St Peter’s Church was, once
again, closed for restoration work. Over a period of nine months, the old plastered ceilings of the
nave and north aisle were taken down and the nave ceiling was completely replaced with new
wood work. The chancel arch was rebuilt of stone, replacing a circular one of brick and plaster.
The walls of the entire church were replastered with cement, while the stonework in the nave was
cleaned and dressed. At the west end of the nave where the organ was positioned, a gallery
described as “hideous”, was demolished. Galleries were built from the reign of Elizabeth
onwards for string and woodwork orchestras to provide music. At the moment I can not tell you
when the first organ appeared in St Peter’s Church.
However, the organ was rebuilt and enlarged at the east end of the north aisle. Other work
included enlargement of the vestry, with an entrance from the outside, and a new lobby was built
at the entrance on the north side. Two special services were held in May 1893 to mark the
completion of the work and the re-opening of the church. The fund-raising to pay for the work,
however, continued for sometime afterwards. However, the beautifully carved reredos behind the
alter, was installed in 1893 as a gift, amongst other things, of Cornell Henry Fison.
As you might imagine, the preservation and maintenance of St Peter’s Church continued into the
20 th Century. As we all know and are aware of, many of the changes in recent years have been for
different reasons. There has been much transformation, both to the fabric and its use.
Now, in the early years of the 21 st Century, the future of St Peter’s Church is clearly in our hands.
It is certainly yet another profound period in its history – a period spanning over one thousand
years. Mush of its history is lost in time, an intangible past that has touched the lives of so many,
many people. I hope that our efforts will secure its future and give the church a meaningful
purpose, even if for an entirely different use from its original purpose. Hopefully, whatever future
plans may hold, a place can be found to remind us and future generations, something of its
important, past role as a parish church and community centre in the ancient Borough of
Thetford.” 4
4.2 Pevsner includes the following brief description of the church.
ST PETER, King Street, at the junction with White Hart Street. The w tower has buttresses with
handsome chequered flint and stone. Its w door opens straight on to the street. Blomefield in
1739, noted that the tower was ‘so cracked that it seems very weak’. The upper storey certainly
rebuilt in 1789, and the pretty Gothick ogeed doorway dates from that time, but the rest is C15,
admittedly with C18 detailing. N aisle with original roof and arcade of four bays towards the
nave. Octagonal piers, double-chamfered arches. The same design for the N chapel arcade of
three bays. The date late C15. The N chancel chapel now a coffee lounge, the kitchen to its E. A s
chancel chapel was demolished before 1820, requiring the insertion of the three-light Perp
windows mimicking those to the nave. N nave windows simpler. - Two wrought-iron SWORD
RESTS, C18. – Screen. Moved from St Cuthbert 1976. – STAINED GLASS. The four s nave
windows by G. B. Burrell, heraldic, and the date 1791. – MONUMENT. Peirson cartouche
4 David Osborne: “St Peter’s Church” Lecture given in the St Peter’s Church, November 2000

†attributed to Edward Stanton and Christopher Horsnaile. (GF) 5
4.3 The Contents of the Church
The church has a number of interior fittings and fixtures which are particular to it. Those more
prominent features are noted here, some of which have more importance than others.
n.b. this is not a complete gazetteer of the churches contents.
Wrought iron sword rests c18thC
Identified by Pevsner, not located during survey. Possibly now removed.
The lobby
Pine boarded entrance lobby to North Door. Unremarkable in quality and probably dating
from the late 19thC.
The font
Octagonal stone font probably of late 19 th C or later ‘off the peg’ quality.
The Reredos
Installed in 1893, the gift of Cornell Henry Fison, The reredos is well carved in oak and
features a bas relief representation of the last supper as its centerpiece, with two major
panels to each side with illuminated bible verses, further flanked by a narrow floral panel
The coincidence of the installation of the reredos with the last major restoration suggests
that the altar was raised at this time and tiled with encaustic tiles. The relationship of the
altar with the mediaeval colonnade of the North Aisle is unfortunate.
The Altar Rail
The altar has a c19thC wrought iron and timber communion rail set into it, which is
unremarkable in quality, though probably contemporary with the raising of the altar.
The Pulpit
Modern (late 20thC) oak pulpit, unfixed.
The screen
The Chancel screen is not original to this church, but was relocated from St Cuthbert’s in
1976. As a consequence it has been quite crudely adapted in width with side members of
oak, not quite so well made as the original nor completely matching in colour and
fini9sh. However the original elements are quite finely carved and its age is uncertain.
Though probably 19 th C, it is possibly earlier
The glass.
The Church is mostly plainly glazed with the majority of the glass surviving probably
from the 18 th C or earlier. The plain glazing of the north clerestory includes a pane
inscribed ‘H George Plasterer Beccles 1892’
There are several panels of stained glass in the church:
The window to the east end of the chancel is attributed to Mr. George Bird Burrell 6 , in
the period 1789-91 by Osborne, but is also elsewhere attributed to Mr. Shelford Bidwell
in1870 7 . There are four stained glass windows with heraldic devices to the South of the
5 N Pevsner: ‘Norfolk 2: Northwest and South’ (1999) PP 699-722
6 David Osborne: “St Peter’s Church” Lecture given in the St Peter’s Church, November 2000
7 ‘A Short Historical Guide to the ancient Borough of Thetford, in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk’ P W Boughton
and Sons 1908.

the Nave 8 attributed to G.B.Burrell 1791, which bear the arms of Mingay, Birch of
Wretham, Buxton of Shadwell Court, Lord Petre and Sir William Altham. At the West
end of the North aisle, a window with a coat of arms signed by Wm. Peckitt dated 1771. 9
The Brass Lectern
The lectern is a memorial to Cornell Henry Fison, (c1825-c1895) a local merchant,
magistrate and resident of Kings House in 1883, who presented the reredos (in 1893).
The Monuments
There are various memorial tablets, the most noteworthy being those to Matthew
Manning, M.D., the Rev. H. C. Manning, and the Rev. Thomas Sworde. There is a
cartouche commemorating Peirson d1721 attributed to Edward Stanton and Christopher
Horsnaile. There are a number of memorial stones within the floor of the church also.
May of these have been covered over with adhesives and latex used in laying a linoleum
floor.
The Bells
A peal of eight was recast by Thomas Osborn, bell founder of Downham Market from
the original bells and hung in 1790/1791 by Lord Rivers following the rebuilding of the
tower in 1789. These were re-hung in c1870 when the church was restored. They were
alleged to be unsafe in 1936, leading to controversy when a faculty hearing for their
repair was adjourned. Following discussion they were reconditioned and re-hung at a cost
of about £270, which was raised by Public Subscription. They were re-dedicated on
December 18 th , 1937 by the Rev. Canon H.K... Johnston, Vicar of St Cuthbert’s and
Rural Dean. 1011
In addition to the maker's name the first has “Cum voco venite; " the fourth Our voices
shall with joyful sound Make hills and valleys echo round; the fifth in wedlock's bands
all ye who join
With hands your hearts unite, So shall our tuneful tongues combine To laud the nuptial
rite ; and the eighth " Percute dulce cano. 12
The Bell ringing Chamber effects
There are a number of late 19 th C and early 20 th C painted timber plaques commemorating
the hanging of the bells and ringing of extended peals
The Clock
Purchased by Subscription and placed in the tower in 1867. Maker’s plaque, Harris,
Thetford 1867
The Loose Door.
There is an unfixed gothic tracery screen door, possibly 18 th C in the tower porch.
8 N Pevsner: ‘Norfolk 2: Northwest and South’ (1999) PP 699-722
9 ibid
10 ‘A Short Historical Guide to the ancient Borough of Thetford, in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk’ P 27 W
Boughton and Sons 1908
11 ‘The Ringing World’ April 16 th 1937 P 249
12 ‘A Short Historical Guide to the ancient Borough of Thetford, in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk’ P W Boughton
and Sons 1908

6.0 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
6.1 This section seeks to indentify and assess the particular significance of St Peters Church within its
environment (its setting), the conservation area, as a listed building and in respect of its contents.
6.2 In English Heritage’s Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance (Conservation Principles)
six ‘Conservation Principles’ are established to inform the approach to the management of the
historic environment. Principle 3 ‘Understanding the significance of places is vital’ includes the
statement that articulating the ‘values and significance of a place is necessary to inform decisions
about its future.’ This approach is underpinned by paragraph 128 of the National Planning Policy
Framework (NPPF) which guides applicants to describe the significance of the heritage asset: the
level of detail and analysis provided being proportionate to its significance and the works
proposed.
6.3 E H’s Conservation Principles establishes four main values which heritage assets can hold:
evidential, historical (illustrative and associative), aesthetic and communal. This significance
assessment sets out an appraisal of the heritage values of St Peters in three parts: its place in the
setting, the building fabric, and its contents.
6.4 Paragraph 69 of Conservation Principles directs that an assessment of significance will normally
require an understanding of how particular parts of a place and different periods in its
development contribute to, or detract from, the identified heritage values. The previous sections
have outlined the development of Thetford and that of St Peters within that setting, and it might
be expected that the requirement would be for a full analysis of St Peters within those contexts.
However given that the degree of development that is sought within this application is slight and
as indicated in paragraph 6.2 above the assessment should be proportionate to this we will limit
the assessment accordingly.
6.5 Identifying those values or parts that are of lesser significance is an important part of the
management process. The introduction to English Heritage’s ‘Constructive Conservation in
Practice’ (2008) states that using the four heritage values ‘allows a precise recognition of a site’s
varying levels of significance and offers an objective way of assessing the scope for new
intervention.’ It goes on to state that those parts ‘which have lesser heritage significance might in
some cases be adapted or replaced to encourage new or continued use.’ This methodology and
approach to breaking down the holistic values into relative significances is therefore based on best
practice as endorsed by English Heritage.
6.6 This approach therefore satisfies both an assessment of the site as a single entity and provides an
appraisal of the relative significances of the building and its setting. This approach is considered
to accord with Principle 3 of Conservation Principles, which guides that the significance of a
place embraces all the values associated with it (para 3.2), but that it is also important to look at
the relative importance of the different values (para 3.3).
It should also be noted that the assessments made below measure the significance of St Peter’s in
respect of the national scale, which is the context in which the application should be judged. In
terms of their local importance the assessments might reasonably be up rated.
Heritage Values
6.7 Evidential Value – derives from the potential of a place to yield evidence about past
human activity.
Medium Significance
St Peters from its 15 th C origins has been an important part of the daily lives and activities of the
people of Thetford. Its central position has ensured its survival as one of a handful of churches

and the decline of Thetford in national importance is indicted by the loss of the many others.
Its original foundation in the 11 th C is conjectural, but the 15 th C origins of the present building
indicate a period of great wealth at its construction. This fluctuates along with its continued
evolution and the major phases of repair in the late 18 th and late 19 th centuries are indicative of
the changing fortunes and activities of the people of Thetford. The remaining fabric which bears
testament to these changes is an important indicator of the economic prosperity and social
activities of those times. This is reflected both in the early external fabric of the church with its
two chapels, the loss and rebuilding of the tower, removal of the chapels, at least two re-roofings,
the construction of the vestry, its subsequent enlargement and change to accommodate WCS.
Internally the installation of the stained glass, memorials and memorial slabs, reredos and other
furnishings and finishes indicate the importance of faith within the community up to the late 20 th
C, its need to secure indulgence or later demonstrate this by donation and the presence of wealthy
patrons some of the gentry, but many in commerce.
The survival of the fabric is thus a litmus paper for the activity of the town and its recent years of
decline indicate this alongside the changing demography of the town and the decline in religious
observance by the population of the country as a whole. The secularization of the church will be
further illustrated by its change in use and the amendments to its form, which will be attendant on
this. Thus the application itself is an indicator of the evidential importance of the building.
6.8 Historical value – derives from the ways in which past people, events and aspects of life
can be connected through a place to the present. It tends to be illustrative or associative.
Historical illustrative value
Medium/low significance
The assessment of the illustrative significance of St Peters in the connection between past and
present is in a sense set out in the previous section, although there the evidence is one which
reflects changing fortunes and ultimate decline. In terms of its illustrative historical value, it may
be said that St Peter’s has waned, as a result of its major refurbishments and the loss of fabric that
attended these. From the early losses of the (probable) decorative interiors of the church in the
dissolutions and reformations of the late 15 th , 16 th and 17 th centuries to the collapse of the tower,
removal of the side chapels and the late 19thC rendering over of the interior stone work and
colonnade, much historic detail has disappeared from the church..
Historical Associative Value
Medium/low significance.
This value is also limited by the changes through which the church has undergone since its initial
construction. There is little remaining of associative values from the periods preceding the 19thC.
Some interior fixtures and fittings- the heraldry in the glass, the cartouche date to the 18 th C and
have personal associations, but little else survives that really associates and strongly identifies the
church with is place. Elements have gone missing (the sword rests) or been removed, the 17 th C
Mingay chandelier, (now we believe possibly in Winchester), the Mingay railings, the organ, the
gallery, or are badly damaged (the floor slab monuments). The strongest remaining associative
historic element is the retention and continued use of the peal of bells which should be strongly
protected. The rood screen which is present would have had a higher historical value, had it not
itself have been removed from elsewhere (St Cuthbert’s) in 1976 and thus has little or no
associative value. There is little in respect of anecdotal or firm evidence associating the church
with the historic characters of Thetford beyond those few merchant and other benefactors referred
to above.

6.9 Aesthetic value – derives from the ways in which people draw sensory and intellectual
stimulation from a place.
High significance.
The presence of St Peters within the townscape, its relationship with Kings House, the space
which is formed by its churchyards and the commanding position it has at the Junction of Kings
Street and White Hart Lane (the former main road to Norwich) is fundamental to the setting of
this central part of Thetford. It is the major driver in the character of this space and its
construction in flint and stone, together with its perpendicular form makes it very clearly a typical
church of 15 th C East Anglia. It is a significant contributor to the character of this area, and has a
high local aesthetic value. It’s national Listing at Grade ii* is indicative that this value is
appropriate nationally also.
6.10 Communal value – derives from the meanings of a place for the people who relate to
it, or for whom it figures in their collective experience or memory. Communal values
are closely bound up with historical (particularly associative) and aesthetic values,
but tend to have additional and specific aspects.
High significance
St Peters undoubtedly has a high communal value. Although now de-consecrated there will be
many to whom it was their parish church for a proportion of their lifetime. There will be many
who have attended christenings marriages and funerals there. Its position and historical
association with the occupants of Kings House locate it at the heart of the community next to the
town’s administrative centre and its use up until recent times included both religious and secular
functions. Its present state of closure is anticipated to be brief and there are good indications of a
desire within the community for its continued use by the community. Thus its communal value
it’s expected to be upheld, adapt and develop into the future.
6.11 Contribution to Conservation Area
High significance
The setting of St Peters is regarded as being important and its significance within the
Conservation Area is high. It makes a strong contribution to the special historic and architectural
character of the Conservation Area. It is described as a ‘Prominent Landmark’ in the urban
design analysis of the Thetford Masterplan 13
7.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
7.1 The Project is viewed in two phases intention of the proposed works is to undertake the minimum
possible to enable the building to be brought back into active use as phase one. When this has
been done the intention is to introduce and establish a variety of community sues for the building
such that a more formal development plan can be explored and supported by a business plan. This
will provide the information necessary for funding to be secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund
for the full repair of the building and a more extensive scheme of renewal and reuse.(phase two).
13 13 Urban Practitioners: ‘Moving Thetford Forward’ Vision and Development Strategy, 2005. Final Report p24

The phase one works which constitute this application are described in the schedule of works and
drawings included in the application for Listed Building Consent, of which this document forms
part.
(N.B The schedule of works includes items of like for like repairs, which do not require LB
consent except where minor elements may be novel, and are included for clarity.)
The proposals have been discussed on site prior to the application with Andrew Gayton, the
Conservation Officer of Breckland District Council and David Eve of English Heritage on the
21 st June 2012. The notes of this meeting are included with the application for Listed Building
Consent. There are a few minor variations from matters agreed in this meeting which are
identified in section 8 as each item arises.
STPC 01
Draft SoW for LB Consent
a. Removal of the road screen to storage or disposal by sale.
b. Removal of the pews and their platform to storage or disposal by sale.
c. Removal of the pulpit for disposal by sale.
d. Relocation of the font.
e. Removal of the altar rail for disposal.
f. Removal of all kitchen fittings and fixtures and their replacement by the proposed layout.
g. Removal of all modern infill panels to the Nave Colonnade and across the north aisle,
including the kitchen partitions.
h. The removal of all partitions and plaster ceilings to the WC block.
i. Removal of the redundant electrical cupboard to the north porch.
j. Removal of the redundant coving to the Crypt.
k. Electrical works including removing redundant installations/installing new equipment as
described in attached Schedule of Work and drawings.
l. Mechanical works
m. Building work in connection with mechanical electrical and Public Health works as
scheduled and otherwise described in the Schedule of Works.
n. Below ground drainage including all associated excavation and improvements.
o. Works to Floors:
i) Making good to stone floor where pews removed.
ii) Make good and re-surface WC block floor.
iii) New “Durabella” floor on Durabella batons, including associated ramps throughout
the Church.
p. Form new WC partitions.

q. Remove tower door temporarily store / replace with temporary door.
r. Reduce stone threshold adjust base of north Aisle external door.
s. Reduce stone threshold. Adjust base of WC (Vestry) external door.
t. Install crack monitoring targets/studs.
u. Form arched opening through graveyard wall to north and install new wrought iron gate.
v. Adjust paving and steps, lay new York stone paving to north churchyard.
8.0 ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS AND THEIR NEED AND
JUSTIFICATION
a. The Removal of the Road Screen
In normal circumstances the road screen would be viewed as an important factor in a church’s
integrity. However at St Peter’s the screen is not part of historic fabric of the church having been
recently imported from nearby St Cuthbert’s church.
The initial proposal was to place the screen on exhibition on the western wall of the Nave.
However, when discussed with English Heritage and the Conservation Officer, English Heritage
expressed the preference that it either is adapted for re-use as a screen elsewhere in the Church or
be removed altogether. Its re-use was considered, but no suitable position existed and thus it is
proposed it be removed.
The need to remove the screen is that of utility. The proposed use for the building is as a multifunctional
public space, which is required to be as open and uninterrupted as possible if it is to be
flexible. The screen presents an obstacle to the number of ways the space can be adapted and
would restrict sightlines into and out of the Chancel, reducing flexibility for performance.
The impact of the removal of the screen on the building is not felt to be of great significance.
Following the cessation of religious celebrations in the church the liturgical, social symbolic and
practical functions of the screen have disappeared in the practical sense. It is not original to the
fabric, nor can we be certain that there was a screen in this position previously, although it is
possible. The screen thus has little if any significance for the building.
Consequently the justification for removing the screen is that is a significant impediment to the
re-use of the space whilst being of little or no significance to the building nor providing any
appreciable benefit if retained.
b. Removal of the Pews and their Platform
The pews are plain pine pews of the 19 th Century. They are on a timber platform raised above the
stone floor and tombs of the Chancel and date from the late 19 th Century refurbishment of the
church or later. Since the de-consecration of the church they serve no purpose. Their removal was
discussed with the Conservation Officer and English Heritage and no opposition was voiced other
than a preference that some of them might be used elsewhere in the church if possible. The pews
were most probably made or purchased for the church at the time of its refurbishment but are
simply made, without ornament and not of high quality.

The need to remove the pews and their platform is as for the screen: The requirement that an open
space free from interruption is provided for multifunctional use.
The justification for removing them is that in their present position they are no longer related to
the function of the building, but are an impediment to its future sustainable use.
c. The Removal of the Pulpit
The pulpit is of modern post-war construction and is an item of furniture. Although made for the
church it is architecturally aesthetically and historically un-remarkable. Since it is a movable
item, not fixed, its relocation within the building would not require Listed Building Consent.
However, this application seeks consent to remove it from the building for disposal.
The need to remove the pulpit arises from the desire to maximize the use of space within the
building for general use.
The justification for removing it is that it has no foreseeable function beyond a very rare use for
public speaking. It has no long term association with the church nor does it make a significant
contribution to the special nature of the building which gives it its listed status.
In the on-site discussion with English Heritage and the Conservation Officer it was agreed that
the pulpit could be relocated without harm. The application goes beyond this, having established
its modern origins and requests that it can be removed.
d. The Relocation of the Font
The font is of 19 th Century origin and has no particular historic or aesthetic merit. However it has
some social and associate standing due to the residents who remain in Thetford who will have
been christened or had their children christened in it.
The need to re-locate the font arises from its open location within an area of the Chancel which
will be used for performance and or audience use. It interrupts the space and would be an
impediment to the full function of the building.
The justification for re-locating the font is that it has already been moved, and that its religious
function is now obsolete. Traditionally the font would not be placed at the east end of the church
near the altar and its current position is thus incongruous. The intention is to relocate it to a
position where it will not impede the flow of space.
e. Removal of the Altar Rail
The altar rail is of 19 th Century and unremarkable. The need to remove it arises because interrupts
the space significantly. It would prevent the safe use of time raised dais of the altar for seating or
performance due to the fire hazard it would present, particularly in a darkened environment.
The justification for removing the rail is that it has no relevance to the proposed use and is not of
such merit as to have contributed to the special nature of the building for which it derives its
listed status.
f. Removal and Replacement of all Kitchen Fixtures and Fittings
The existing fittings are modern and redundant.

There is a need within the proposed multifunctional use of the building for the provision of a
small level of catering. This is anticipated to cater for coffee, tea, light lunches etc., but also as a
forward kitchen for larger functions, as has occurred in the past.
The justification for the replacement of the kitchen arises from the substantial increase in
economic viability the building assumes from the facility. The proposal will provide a neater
solution to the installation being replaced and will improve the presentation of the building.
In the on-site discussion with English Heritage and the Conservation Officer the kitchen layout
considered was more extensive than that now proposed. It was discussed that it might be a fully
enclosed area. The current proposal is more modest and uses as low level unit and screen to
divide it from the main body of the North Aisle.
g. The Removal of all modern infill panels to the Nave, Colonnade and across the North Aisle
including the kitchen partitions.
The infill panels are all modern insertions and detract from the unity of the space and quality of
the architecture.
The need to remove the partitions arises from the necessity to provide a clear flexible open space.
The justification for removing the panels in that they are a negative element within the building
and are harmful to its appearance.
h & p The removal of the partitions and ceilings in the WC block and their replacement in an improved
arrangement. The plaster ceilings and partitions were in the late 20 th Century. They provided WC
and storage accommodation and are of modern construction.
The need to remove and replace the partitions arise from the introduction of the Equality Act
2010 and previous legislation which carried with it the obligation to provide suitable sanitary
accommodation for the disabled in buildings used for public assembly and the other functions
anticipated. The Council also has a moral duty in this respect.
The justification for this change arises from the inability for the present arrangements to be
adapted to provide these facilities. The fabric to be replaced is of no architectural or historic
quality or significance. The intended public use must be inclusive of the whole community.
i
j
The removal of the redundant electrical cupboard to the North Porch, replacement with a new
cupboard.
Removal of the redundant coving to the Crypt and its replacement.
Items i and j are effectively like for like repairs or replacements although it may be expected that
their architectural detailing may be improved and details will be submitted for later confirmation.
k
Electrical works, external and internal including removal of redundant installations/installing new
equipment as described in the Schedule of Work and Drawings.
l Mechanical works in connection with k and l.
m Building works in connection with k and l.
Items k, l and m Electrical and Mechanical Works concern the removal of redundant and
dangerous installations and their replacement. In part they are like for like replacements, in part

introductions. They are as described in the attached Specifications. Further details will be
supplied if and where identified by the Conservation Officer.
The need for the new installations arises out of the redundancy of the old and the improvement
required to bring the building back into public use.
The justification for the new mechanical and electrical installations is that the building would
remain redundant without them and would continue to decay.
n
Below ground drainage including all associated excavation and improvements.
It is anticipated that the below ground drainage will simply be repaired on a like for like basis, or
will be re-lined with a proprietary liner. Excavations are expected to be minimal and to follow
exactly the lines of former excavations. Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service
will be consulted and their recommendations followed prior to work being carried out. (This is to
be expected to be a condition of any consent).
o.i.
o.ii.
Works to floors
Making good to stone floor where pews are removed.
This item is likely to be a like for like repair and will be agreed on site.
Works to floors
Make good and re-surface WC block floor.
The WC block floor is in the former vestry. The present floor is believed to be modern concrete
with finishes over. Where adjustments to drains are made and partitions removed this floor will
be made good in concrete and new finishes laid over. This work is not expected to impact on any
historic fabric. It is required in order to restore function to the WCs and to enable the provision of
disabled facilities. The justification for the work resides in the necessity to provide open access to
all under the Equality Act 2010
o.iii.
New “Durabella” floor on Durabella batons, including associated ramps throughout the Church.
The intention is to provide a level floating floor across the main body of the church which will be
sympathetic to a wide variety of use and will enable the full function of the church at an early
stage. The floor will consist of battens laid over leveling cradles and then tongued and grooved
plywood laid over to provide a slightly sprung contiguous floor surface through the church. This
is a proprietary floor system provide by Durabella. It will allow servicing to be run easily beneath
it and is completely reversible protecting the existing stone floor and its memorial stones until
such time as full funds are available for their refurbishment. The finished appearance is of a
continuous surface of oiled birch faced plywood.
The need for the floor is to allow a wide variety of functions to take place on a comfortable,
warm, level and clean floor. The present stone floor is uneven, damaged, not level, difficult or
impossible to maintain hygienically and too hard for many activities.
The justification for installing the Durabella floor is that it is important to bring the building back
into use as soon as possible in order to build up a body of users and generate funds for its upkeep
and servicing. It is the long term aim of the Council to repair the original floor, provide under
floor heating and new stonework when the substantial funds that this would require are available.
The cost of repairing and relaying the existing floor is high, but if the active use of the church can
be demonstrated, the securing of the necessary funding to complete the full refurbishment and
improvement of the building may be obtained.

In the on-site discussion with English Heritage and the Conservation Officer the raised floor was
agreed. It was suggested that the finish be chip board with seagrass matting laid over. This has
been substituted by oiled plywood in the proposal, which will provide a surface which is more
easily maintained in an hygienic state, as will be suited to many of the uses which occur on the
floor surface.
q
Remove tower door temporarily store / replace with temporary door.
The change in level brought about by the insertion of the Durabella floor prevents the tower door
from functioning. Rather than adjust the door by cutting part of it off it is proposed to take the
door off its hinges and store it, replacing it with a temporary door until the Durabella floor is not
longer required and the full refurbishment is carried out.
The need to remove the door to storage is generated by the need to insert the Durabella floor and
thereby generate a full and early use.
The justification for the temporary removal of the door is that it preserves it intact for the full
refurbishment of the church and=whilst allowing the tower chambers to be secured properly.
r&s
Reduce stone threshold adjust base of north Aisle external door.
Reduce stone threshold. Adjust base of WC (Vestry) external door.
The reduction of the stone thresholds and adjustment of adjacent floor finishes will permit level
access to be provided for non ambulant disabled. IT involves minimal harm to the fabric of the
building and the stone thresholds are not of the original church fabric but are repaired and altered
thresholds them selves dating from the 19 th and 20 th century.
t
The need to provide level access is to provide an inclusive public space.
The justification lies in the satisfaction of the requirements of the Equality Act, whilst not
causing significant harm.
Install crack monitoring targets/studs.
The installation of studs for crack monitoring is minimally intrusive into the fabric and will be
limited to small single fixings into the plaster work or if absolutely unavoidable, stonework.
The need to install the studs is generated by the possibility that the south wall of the nave is
rotating outwards and may require restraint or the reinforcement of its foundations.
The justification for the fixing of the studs is that it allows the monitoring and will facilitate the
mitigation of a greater risk to the building.
u
Form arched opening through graveyard wall to north and install new wrought iron gate.
The North wall is a curtilage listed structure relating to the adjacent grade II Listed buildings of
the former White Hart Inn. The land to the rear of the building is occupied by a public Car Park,
owned by Breckland District Council, which will provide essential ancillary support to the
activities within the Church. The formation of an opening in this wall will permit direct access to
the car park. The position of the opening is on the line of former reveals and below the relic of an
arch, which indicates that an opening of the same size previously existed. The fabric being
removed is thus not original to the wall, which has been altered repaired and adjusted many times
in its life.
The use of church for public functions particularly performances will generate significant traffic
from outside of Thetford and this car park will be heavily used. There will be an important need
for ambulant and non ambulant disabled people to be dropped of near to the church and with a
level access route into the building.

The justification for direct connection between the car park and the church is both in respect of
the provision of disabled access but also that it will enhance its use and the visitor experience.
This will contribute toward the desire to return and to continue to support the facility.
v
Adjust paving and steps, lay new York stone paving to north churchyard. The proposed paving
will be in York stone to match the existing and will be laid on a lime sand bed laid over a terram
membrane. A limited and shallow excavation will be undertaken to provide for the construction
depth, which is not expected to impact on any archaeology or burials. Norfolk County Council
Historic Environment Service will be consulted and their recommendations followed prior to
work being carried out. (This is to be expected to be a condition of any consent)
The need for the paving is to satisfy the requirement for safe, even access to the building. The
paving to the North side of the church is limited, uneven and of mixed quality. There is no paved
access to the former vestry/WC entrance from the North aisle door or White Hart Street, nor from
the proposed gateway to the White Hart Public Car Park.
The justification for the paving is that the building can not perform its public function without the
provision of safe access.