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The parish of All Saints', South Lynn, is mentioned in the
Domesday, which indicates a Saxon foundation. Presumably,
the Saxon church occupied part of the chancel area, with
'future' rebuilding extending the site until the final
medieval cruciform shape was achieved. A medieval
manuscript, held in the Cathedral Library in Norwich, refers
to the granting of land for the building of St. Margaret's
Church (1101) near 'the church of William de Stangri',
confirms the church's existence, and further strengthen the
claim - to be the oldest Christian foundation in the town.
The Church was largely rebuilt in the 14th century, although
the large Transepts exist from the 13th century, with late
perpendicular window insertions. The Nave retains the
original massive tie beams and queen posts of the medieval
church, together with other medieval architectural features.
A Spiritual
Heritage
A significant feature of the medieval building is the
inclusion of the
Anchorhold
on the south side of the Chancel, which housed an Anchoress,
although not in strict succession, from the 12th until the
16th century. The Anchoresses' pattern of prayer is
described in the 12th century 'Ancren
Rewl',
they meditated on the Blessed Sacrament through the
Sanctuary window; turned to meditate on the Crucifix in the
Anchorhold; said three hail Marys, the appropriate Office of
the Day, and finally the Office of the Dead, to remind
themselves that they were shut away, locked in and therefore
dead to the world.
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