Restoration reveals treasures hidden in one of England’s tiniest places of worship
ITS PEWS barely hold 30 people, although by cramming chairs into the nave and chancel for special services the congregation at All Saints Church Waterden can swell to more than 80.
Despite its popularity there was a risk the Grade II* listed church in Norfolk, one of the smallest in England, would go the same way as the “lost village” next door, which disappeared in the Middle Ages.
But the future of All Saints has been secured following a £270,000 restoration programme.
As well as preserving the tiny building the project revealed architectural gems, including the remains of a wall painting dating to the 17th century. It contains faint traces of colour and is to be examined by conservation experts.
Part of the stonework of a large arch thought to be part of a lost south aisle was also uncovered, along with a short stretch of wall reaching out into the churchyard from near the south door.
Father Clive Wylie SCP, Roman Catholic rector of Waterden and vicar of the Creakes Benefice, of which Waterden is part, said: “The restoration has transformed the church and secured it for generations to come. It is incredibly exciting that three new finds have been unearthed during the painstaking work. They will add to the already rich and fascinating history of the church.”
The lost village of Waterden, between Fakenham and Wells, was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, but by the census of 1881 only 44 people were recorded as being there, and the population around the site has since fallen to just 10.
It is unclear why Waterden was effectively abandoned, but a storm in the early 17th century caused part of the church nave to collapse.
Despite setbacks All Saints – which measures just 62ft by 16ft ( 19m by 5m) – has remained in continuous use for around 1,000 years and holds eight services a year, including a popular candlelit carol service on Christmas Eve.
The restoration was funded with £210,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and grants from the Norfolk Churches Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Holkham Estate and the Geoffrey Watling Charity.
The roof and porch were made watertight and guttering repaired. Rotten timber was cut out and wood inserted to strengthen beams, roof trusses and braces in the nave. Parts of the walls were also repaired, with ivy stripped off and lime mortar replaced. To retain its simple charm there are no plans to install electricity or running water.