An archaeological dig has started piecing together the potted history of a crumbling Norfolk church.

Eastern Daily Press: Painstaking progress during the archaeological dig at the ruins of the old St Margaret's Church, Hopton. Picture: James BassPainstaking progress during the archaeological dig at the ruins of the old St Margaret's Church, Hopton. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

Old St Margaret's Church in Hopton, on the coast between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, dates back to the 13th century but was abandoned in 1865 after it burned down in a fire. In recent years, residents have given up their time to look after the Grade 2-listed structure which now appears on the English Heritage's buildings at risk register.

Last year Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, working with Hopton Parish Council, was awarded Heritage Lottery Funding to restore the ruins so they can be opened to the public and yesterday, the first archaeological dig on the site came to an end.

More than 30 volunteers helped at the three-day excavation and archaeologist Giles Emery, of Norvic Archaeology, said it had been a huge success. 'We've done a lot in three days; we've managed to get to the footings of the original stone church which means we can understand more about how and when it was extended over the years.

'There was a surprise when we found some masonry in a trench near a blocked doorway and we found a little bit of medieval glass which dates to the 13th or 14th century. It would have been painted glass and tells us a little about what the church would have looked like inside.'

Eastern Daily Press: Painstaking progress during the archaeological dig at the ruins of the old St Margaret's Church, Hopton. Picture: James BassPainstaking progress during the archaeological dig at the ruins of the old St Margaret's Church, Hopton. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

The dig also uncovered 'high status' glazed medieval tiles.

'Somebody was sponsoring this church,' said Mr Emery. 'It looks like there were major renovations in the 14th and the 15th centuries. Someone was paying for the upkeep and making sure the church was looked after.'

The dig also gave experts the chance to look again at an underground vault used by the Sayers family, local patrons of St Margaret's.

While the finds will now be interpreted to build a better picture of Hopton's history, residents who find early pottery or artefacts in their gardens are urged to contact Mr Emery who believes there could be a medieval village hidden under modern homes.

If you want to get involved in restoring the church, call the preservation trust on 01493 846195.