Bells to ring again from Marsham church thanks to Christmas funding boost

National Churches Trust vice-president Huw Edwards. Picture: NATIONAL CHURCHES TRUST (Image: Archant)

All Saints, Marsham has been awarded £15,000 rescue funding from the National Churches Trust to pay for urgent tower stonework and roof repairs.

Once the tower is repaired, bell ringers will be allowed to start ringing the fine peel of eight bells

The grade 1 listed church is on the Historic England Heritage at Risk register.

It dates from early 14th century, though much of the building is 15th century. The church has many beautiful features including a rood screen thought to be dated 1507, a seven sacrament font (one of only 29 in England, dated about 1467), painted board of James I Royal Coat of Arms, and carved angels in the roof beams.

Two small medieval glass window lights depict an elephant and a unicorn - the only such examples in East Anglia.

An interesting historical connection lies in the 17th century incumbency of Rev Samuel Oates. His son Titus Oates was the notorious conspirator and perjurer of the Popish Plot of 1678.

Vice-president of the National Churches Trust broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, said: 'I'm delighted that this Christmas the future of All Saints, Marsham, is being safeguarded by a National Churches Trust grant to fund urgent tower repairs.

'The funding will help ensure that the church can continue to serve local people for many years to come. And once the tower is repaired, bell ringers will be allowed to start ringing again for the enjoyment of the surrounding community.'

He added: 'This Christmas, when people visit a church or chapel for a carol service or even just walk past a church on the way to do the Christmas shopping, I urge them to think about how they can help ensure that churches can remain open and in good repair.'

The award is part of £596,000 rescue package from the National Churches Trust for 36 churches across the UK.