The Anchorhold - All Saints' Church, King's Lynn

When one enters The Anchorhold at All Saints' Church in King's Lynn, one experiences a sensation similar to that of having been wrapped in a warm blanket.

It is best experienced in quietude and perhaps solitude, to fully appreciate and experience the 'presence' that some people feel when entering this most wonderful place.

The Anchorhold - All Saints' Church, King's Lynn

The Anchoresses window, looking from the High Altar into the Anchorhold itself and towards the great crucifix above the altar.

From this small window, the Anchoress would have prayed to the Blessed Sacrament, which would have then been suspended above the High Altar in a receptacle shaped like a dove. It is from here that she would have received Holy Communion from the priest during Mass.

The Anchorhold - All Saints' Church, King's Lynn

This image, in part, captures the mystery and atmosphere of the Anchorhold. This would not have been a view the medieval Anchoresses would have been familiar with, as this photograph is taken from the High Altar, looking through the door of the Anchorhold.

The light rays of the mid-day sun have been caught streaking across the image, smoke from the thurible has enhanced the effect seen in this image.

The Anchorhold - All Saints' Church, King's Lynn

The interior of the Anchorhold. The life lived by the Anchoresses would have been one of service to God - she would have been the 'anchor' of the town, praying day and night for the lives of those within the community and for the Church itself.

The Anchorhold - All Saints' Church, King's Lynn

The interior of the Anchorhold. The life lived by the Anchoresses would have been one of service to God - she would have been the 'anchor' of the town, praying day and night for the lives of those within the community and for the Church itself.

Bromholm Priory, Bacton

Bromholm Priory, or Bacton Abbey, is situated in private property - in fact it's in the middle of a farm. What is left of the Abbey is uniquely fascinating, it tells its own story through its rustic surroundings and the detail in the massonary and architecture that can still be seen today.

Bromholm Priory, Bacton

The central 'tower', a complete free standing square tower that is perhaps the most complete part of the priory, stands at a height of forty feet. In 1940, the base of the structure was remodelled into a make-shift 'pill box', a guard post that would have acted as a gun placement in the case of German invasion during World War II.

It is interesting to note that there are records which indicate at least 7 pill boxes surrounding the farm house, on which the Abbey stands, which leads one to believe that the large farm house may have once been home to the local army or aifroce base of operations.

Bromholm Priory, Bacton

There are indications in the masionary and architecture in this particular part of the Abbey ruins that this may once have been the Chapter House.

Sadly, there are no records which indicate the location of the church itself, but we know that the Chapter Houses were usually built fairly close to the church itself.

Bromholm Priory, Bacton

Is this part of the church of Bacton Abbey? This is a photograph of part of the ruins to the side of the Chapter House, which could indicate that it is part of the ruins of the church.

However, as no records exist to pin point its original location, this is merely conjecture based on the layout of the ruins as they currently stand today.

Bromholm Priory, Bacton

This image is looking through a side window of what is thought to be the Chapter House, looking towards the central tower seen in the previous images.

Burgh Castle - Roman Fort

This image shows the detail in the Roman stonework at Burgh Castle, combining thin, narrow 'bricks' to create a formidable fortress that still stands over 1,720 years after its initial construction. The walls are made of flint with courses of tile to bond it together.

Burgh Castle - Roman Fort

Burgh Castle is located on a hill top overlooking the Norfolk Broads. This image captures the natural environment surrounding the western base of the fort.

Burgh Castle - Roman Fort

The River Waveney. Dotting the horizon from this viewpoint can be seen numerous windmills and wind pumps, along with numerous farm buildings and the odd church tower in the far distance.

Burgh Castle - Roman Fort

The fort covers an area of 7 acres and would have held a garrison of several hundred cavalry and men. The main purpose of this fort was to provide protection against sea-born invaders that would have originated from what is now Northern Germany.

Burgh Castle would have been one of many forts built along the coast to protect the south-east region from invasion.

Burgh Castle - Roman Fort

Looking south west down the River Waveney, a popular boating spot on the Broads.

All Saints' Church - East Barsham

The nave at East Barsham, looking towards the east window. Initial impressions show this is a 'tired' looking old church, but perhaps that is part of its appeal. Henry VIII stopped here on his pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham to pray for a son and would have heard Mass from this very church.

All Saints' Church - East Barsham

This image was taken late on in the evening, as the sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the internal walls of the church, glazed by the diamond pattern in the lead windows.

All Saints' Church - East Barsham

The depiction of Calvary Hill at East Barsham. It is, I think, the contrast between the dark and light areas of this image, provided by the light streaming in through the windows on the south side of the church, that gives this image such a depth; an emotive and poignant representation of Christ's crucifixion and suffering on the cross.

All Saints' Church - East Barsham

The High Altar at East Barsham Church, with the brightly coloured reredos depicting amongst them St. George, St Edmund King and Martyr and Our Lady of Walsingham.

All Saints' Church - East Barsham

The contrast here between the intense blue of Our Lady's robes and the gold gilding of the crucifix on top of the High Altar is quite evocative.

The Martyr's Field - Walsingham

The slightly skewed crucifix placed on the Martyr's field, Walsingham. In the foreground can be seen a sheep, one of many that now use this field for grazing, betraying in a sense the sensless act of barbarism that took place here during the Reformation.

The Martyr's Field - Walsingham

Many pass this field unaware of what took place here. No photograph can capture the 'feel' of the place, especially when one puts into context the terrible acts of cruelty and torture that took place at such an idyllic looking location.

The Martyr's Field - Walsingham

Perhaps not the most exciting photograph in the world, but nonetheless it does capture the enclosed lane that runs paralell between the main road into Walsingham and the Martyr's field.

The Martyr's Field - Walsingham

The Martyr's field, with the start of the 'domestic dwellings' of the residents' of Little Walsingham in the distance.

The Martyr's Field - Walsingham

A rare and momentary gap between the overhanging trees in the lane besides The Martyr's field provides a glimpse of the richly saturated blue of the autumn sky.

Salle Church

Salle Church stands proudly on the horizon like a beacon that can be seen for miles around, surrounded by fields and a small handful of houses.

The great west tower shown in this image is 110ft tall, one cannot help but feel small next to this great church building.

Salle Church

The great nave windows that traverse the north and south aisles are as big and grand as any you may find in a cathedral - this image captures the mottling effect of the light from one of these nave windows casting a warming glow on the nave floor.

Salle Church

The nave of Salle Church, with the medieval seven sacrament font to the right, looking towards the east end.

One cannot help but feel the sense of space and vastness in this church - it remains as it was when first constructed in the 15th century, unaltered or added to since its completion.

Salle Church

One thing that is always present in this church during the day time is copious amounts of light. The windows are big. They are numerous.

In this image, light from one of the stained glass windows on the south side of the Chancel casts a colourful glow onto the priest's chair.

Salle Church

One of the unique features of Salle Church are the remains of original medieval paintings, both on the roof of the nave and here on what is left of the rood screen.

The screen depicts the saints that were once represented here by 'guild altars' during its medieval period. They are richly decorated, retaining much of its original colour and splendour.

Shotesham St Mary

This idyllic village is like a time capsule, full of centuries old houses, outbuildings, farms and not forgetting the two churches that surround the valley.

Shotesham St Mary

This photograph is taken outside All Saints' Church in Shotesham, on the grassy bank at the foot of the war memorial. In the distance lies Shotesham Common, a tranquil space of peace, calm and serenity.

Shotesham St Mary

Viewed from the north porch of All Saints' church, Shotesham, looking towards Shotesham Common.

Shotesham St Mary

St. Mary's church is surrounded by a 'conservation' area, richly coloured rose bushes, ancient oak trees and arable farming land.

Shotesham St Mary

The surrounding countryside is mostly reserved for arable farming. This photograph was taken from the edge of St Mary's Church, Shotesham, looking towards its neighbouring church of All Saints' one mile away.

St Margaret of Antioch - East Raynham

The haunting ruins of St Margaret of Antioch as viewed from the entrance to the graveyard.

St Margaret of Antioch - East Raynham

The ruins of the west tower and south entrance into the church, still managing to stand proud in defiance to its ruined condition.

St Margaret of Antioch - East Raynham

Looking towards the ruins of the south side of the church, taken from the bottom of the graveyard.

St Margaret of Antioch - East Raynham

This view looks out towards Raynham Hall and the new church built towards the end of the 19th century when the church of St Margaret of Antioch was finally abandoned and left to ruin.

St Margaret of Antioch - East Raynham

The south side of the church ruins with the graveyard to the right.

Walsingham Abbey - The Medieval Pack-Horse Bridge

The stonework of the Pack-Horse bridge at Walsingham Abbey presents an interesting question. Was it here before the Abbey was constructed? Experts seem to disagree in this particular area - some believe it is early medieval, built here before the Abbey, while others believe it to be a 16th century 'copy' in the early medieval style.

Walsingham Abbey - Remains of the Eastend of the Abbey

The expansive grounds of Walsingham Abbey with the remains of the east end of the Abbey visible in the distance.

Walsingham Abbey - The Dell Walk

The walk to the Dell, in the grounds of Walsingham Abbey, is a treat for the senses. The sights, sounds and smells of nature are vividly brought to life in the abundant collection of plant life and trees that surround this beautiful area.

Walsingham Abbey - Pack-Horse Bridge

The sun streaming through the gaps in the autumn foliage creates a beautiful mottled effect on the Pack-Horse bridge. The 'muddy' and discoloured river usually runs clear, however heavy rainfall the previous day had dredged up a muddy colour that in a way, adds to the atmosphere of the image.

Walsingham Abbey - Tree in the Grounds

The definition and contrast in colour of this image is representative of the contrasting sights of the grounds at Walsingham Abbey.

All Saints' Church - Waterden

One approaches the church via a narrow path that cuts directly through cattle grazing fields. On this day, the cows greeted us warmly as we walked beside their paddock, hoping that we were there to provide their feed for the afternoon.

From a distance, and particularly due to its location, the building at first looks like a farm out-building, a barn or perhaps part of a farmer’s house. It is only when one notices the bell tower and the unmistakable layout of a nave and chancel construction, that one realises upon closer inspection that it is indeed a church.

This is perhaps part of its endearing charm. It seems to be as natural an addition to the surrounding environment as the trees and cattle themselves – as though it has always been here.

All Saints' Church - Waterden

On the day we visited All Saints' Church, Waterden, the sunlight streamed through the windows at an incredibly intensity, casting an array of contrasting atmospheric colours on the stone floor and furniture. This photograph looks from the High Altar towards the box pews and the west end.

All Saints' Church - Waterden

This is a simple little church, basic but yet beautiful in its simplicity. It is a church that has been loved and cared for by numerous generations over its 1,000+ year history. This photograph is taken just beneath the chancel arch, looking towards the High Altar and east window.

All Saints' Church - Waterden

Over 40 photographs were taken inside All Saints' Church on the day we visited - however it would be unfair not to provide a photograph of its surrounding environment. This church really is part of the living community, it is surrounded on all sides by cattle - their bellowing sounds can be heard both inside and out and provide a friendly welcoming committee upon your arrival.

All Saints' Church - Waterden

This photograph is taken looking towards the west end, showing a building that isn't instantly recognisable as a church, resembling more that of a barn or farm house. This is a pre-norman church and its architecture is simple, yet dazzlingly quaint and beautiful.

All Saints' Church - Waterden

This photograph is, what one would consider to be, an 'artistic' impression of what it is like to be at Waterden Church. It was chosen to be part of this gallery because it captures both the interior (frosted glass window - with only one plain diamond shaped pane) and the exterior, showing the beautiful lush greenery that surrounds the church.