Church of St Mary the Virgin, Wiggenhall, Norfolk

Address:
Church Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 3EJ
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
***CHURCH CLOSED CURRENTLY DUE TO HEALTH & SAFTEY REASONS*** From Sept the church is open during Norfolk school half terms, occasional weekends, and when the weather is good in Norfolk . However, we can open the church by appointment with some notice– Please contact Kate Roma Local Community Officer kroma@thecct.org.uk 07721866425
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

Carved Saints and a broken heart

St Mary's stands in a watery landscape next to an orchard by the River Ouse. In the spring a path lined with bulbs leads the way to this peaceful church and in summer, visitors pass a collection of buddleia and clouds of butterflies. Green stained glass casts light on row upon row of carved benches, featuring lively little wooden saints and figures in amazingly detailed dress. The font cover, too, is a fine piece of carving, dating from the Jacobean period.

Saints also feature in brilliant coloured panels on the medieval screen, and there are some wonderful lifesize marbles of local nobles. In the south chapel, a brass the shape of a heart commemorates Sir Robert Kervile who died abroad. His grieving wife sent a monk to retrieve his heart, and it lies buried here. There is a lovely sundial over the porch entrance.

Please note that currently the church is home to many bats. You are unlikely to see them in daylight hours, but unfortunately they leave quite a mess. We are working with Bats in Churches Project to organise a deep clean and set up an ongoing cleaning regime. Thanks for your understanding.

Wiggenhall Guide

To donate by text, please text 'WIG' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

  • Access information
    Park in the lane alongside the church. Access is through a driveway with gravel path on to grass path in churchyard.
  • Facilities & Hire

    Due to the historic nature of the building there is no heating, running water or toilet facilities. The church is lit by natural light

  • Directions

    5 miles south of King’s Lynn off A10 south of Setchey follow Historic Church signs along; Mill Road, Lynn Road, School Road, Sluice Road to Church Road.  Church behind Wiggenhall House; public footpath through yard at side of house

  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: King's Lynn (5 miles).

  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Norfolk County Guide 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Norfolk. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Community information

    Useful local links: