St Margaret's Church, Hales, Norfolk

Address:
Church Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR14 6QL
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
10am – 3pm
  • Andy Marshall
  • Andy Marshall 
  • Andy Marshall
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

An astonishing little church lost in time

St Margaret's, with its round tower and thatched roof, is a church from another time, standing in an isolated setting, as if still in its twelfth-century Norman world. The magnificent carved doorway with bands of richly carved patterns zigzags, stars and rosettes over the arch is breathtaking; there is another similar doorway, though less richly carved, in the south wall.

Inside the church is simple and rustic. Medieval faces painted on the walls peer out from across the centuries - look for St Christopher carrying Christ and St James, holding his pilgrim's staff, with a delicate band of twining foliage. The 500-year-old font is carved with angels, lions and roses - and there are memorials in the brick floor.

Hales Guide

To donate by text, please text 'HAS' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

  • Access information
    Parking available on lane next to church. There is an uneven grass path to the church.
  • Disabled access information
    There is one small step down into church.
  • Facilities & Hire
    Due to the historic nature of the building there is no heating, running water or toilet facilities. The church is lit with natural light.
  • Directions
    12 miles south-east of Norwich, south of Loddon. Follow Historic Church sign on A146 Beccles Road along Church Lane
  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Beccles (5.5 miles)

  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church 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 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Norfolk. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Conservation and Regeneration

    Emergency Repair work at St. Margaret’s Church, Hales & St. Gregory’s, Church, Heckingham

    We welcome many visitors each year to both Hales and Heckingham who appreciate the history and beauty of these fascinating churches. Can you help us keep the roof on, and repair recent damage?

    We cannot commence work on the necessary re-thatching at both of these churches or repair the windows at Hales until the funds are raised.

    Please help us reach our £25,000 target by texting HAS to 70970 to donate £5, or HAS to 70191 to donate £10 and make a direct donation to these essential repairs. Thank you!

    If you would like to help sustain our work caring for historic churches on an annual basis, why not become a member?

    Thank you for your support

  • Volunteering Opportunities

    No records found.

     

  • Community information

    Useful local links:

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