This Saxon or Saxo-Norman church sits to very high prominence over the River Bure, boasting a lovely wooded walk down to the riverside below known as the Pilgrims’ Way’.
There remains a Norman nave and chancel but additionally with carstone cornerstones and blank arcading on the south nave wall, suggesting Saxon survivals also. A fantastic 12th century painted 12-panelled rood screen is on show, depicting 10 disciples, St. John the Baptist and St. Paul. The church also has an unusual rood stair with 'cruck' doorway.
This is an attractive churchyard, particularly in spring, and especially along the path edge, where ransoms, wood avens and wood spurge thrive, along with the pretty blue wood forget-me-not. The churchyard supports five churchyard indicator species, some of which are quite scarce or uncommon, including burnet saxifrage, meadow saxifrage, lady’s bedstraw, ox-eye daisy and germander speedwell. Also to be spotted are a series of species associated with the stone church wall, namely wallflower, greater celandine, black spleenwort fern, Mexican fleabane and traveller’s joy.
Best time to visit
The best time to see the wildflowers is spring to midsummer. The meadow saxifrage, germander speedwell and ox-eye daisies are best May-June, the Lady’s bedstraw in July and the burnet saxifrage in August.
Associated groups
For more information, please take a look at the Diocese website:
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/belaugh-st-peter/
Getting involved
The best way to find out if practical help is needed would be to contact the churchwarden (
https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/contact/person/search?benefice=319 )
Website
http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/belaugh/belaugh.htm