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- Norwich, Norfolk (Church of St John Maddermarket)
The handsome flint tower of St John's rises above Maddermarket in the city centre. The best view of it is from the north, where its tower stands over Maddermarket Alley, affording one of the city’s most attractive townscapes.
The present church was built in the 15th-century when Norwich was one of the wealthiest cities of Europe. Squeezed ingeniously into a cramped site, St John’s is rather oddly proportioned, being almost as wide as it is long.
It is believed that an original chancel may have been demolished as part of a road-widening scheme when Queen Elizabeth I came to visit Norwich. It survived a gas explosion in 1876 during a choir practice that stunned the rector, singed the choirboys and shattered windows and furniture.
Today’s sumptuous stained-glass windows are Victorian and 20th-century replacements and the close set windows in the upper level flood the church with light. The church’s square interior is filled with marvellous monuments, from elegant plaques to detailed little figures in Tudor dress including one to Nugent Monk who founded the nearby Maddermarket Theatre and was one of the earliest people to recreate a Shakespearean stage in the 1920s.
All around are rich furnishings -– part of an interesting and eccentric collection assembled by William Busby (rector from 1898 to 1923). He sought out, or commissioned, a whole variety of items to beautify his church, including the magnificent Georgian canopy over the high altar and the altar screen in the lady chapel.
St John's is one of three Trust churches in Norwich.
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
In centre of Norwich off Pottergate
Nearest railway station: Norwich (0.6 miles). Bus route number 125.
TG 229 087
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
St Laurence's Church, Norwich, Norfolk
A prominent Norwich landmark
St Augustine's Church, Norwich, Norfolk
The only 17th-century brick tower in Norwich
Fairhaven
Heritage site
Blickling Estate
National Trust property
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
The CCT is grateful to the Flickr group, Friends of the Churches Conservation Trust, for the images shown here. CCT is not responsible for the quality or content of images taken from Flickr.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT 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 (PDF, 4.9mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Norfolk. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
St Laurence's Church, Norwich, Norfolk A prominent Norwich landmark St. Benedict's Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 3PE
See church page
St Augustine's Church, Norwich, Norfolk The only 17th-century brick tower in Norwich St Augustine's Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 3BY
See church page
Church of St John the Baptist, Hellington, Norfolk Signs of past splendour Hellington Hill, Hellington, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 7BS
See church page
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our Norfolk churches are in CCT’s South East region.
Norfolk Broads Official Tourist Information
Norfolk & Norwich Archaeological society
Norfolk Family History Society
Reference of historical & archaeological societies in Norfolk
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
There are several steps down into the church.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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EC1A 9EE
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central@tcct.org.uk
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