In 2016, this renowned Historic Medieval Church, famed for its unique painted Flying Angels and Double Hammer-beamed Roof, underwent a crucial restoration to preserve its craftsmanship and beauty for future generations. The restoration was made possible with significant contributions, primarily from the Heritage Lottery Fund, whose support and guidance were essential to the project’s success.

Additional funding came from several prominent organizations, including the National Churches Trust, WREN, Norfolk Churches Trust, All Churches Trust, Garfield Weston, Peterhouse Cambridge, the Bishop of Norwich’s Fabric Fund, and Church Care on behalf of the Wolfson Foundation. Their collective efforts ensured that this remarkable piece of history could be preserved and enjoyed for years to come.

“Currently, Knapton Church is alive and looking to move forward in the coming years . We aim to be inclusive,  accessible to all, by improving our disabled access and of current interest to our community. Knapton is a small rural village with a somewhat ageing population, including a number of holiday lets, and second homes. But also has a newer element with the building of Wilds way and people moving to our village.

Primarily, our church is always open for prayer , quiet reflection and all of our varied church services which over the past year has included; an Inclusive Valentines Service, The passion with Jesus coming into the church on Beauty the horse and Celebrating our Patronal festival 

Pet service which was a success, well there were no casualties, to name those more unusual services. And of course our monthly Holy Communion service.

However, we are much more. The fitting of casters onto our pews has enabled us to use the fabulous space more easily and creatively, including a village celebration of VE Day with the lighting of the beacon situated in the churchyard , Pilates and Soundbath, sustainable flowers demonstration, church fundraising lunch to name a but a few.

A welcome is always given, a smile on entering a time for joy and laughter always a friendly face in darker times. Worship and loving does not always  have to be sober and prescriptive. If people feel relaxed, they are more likely to come back and hopefully learn a little bit about what the church can offer.

The church is physically situated centrally in the village and historically it would’ve been the hub of the community. We aim to provide a safe gathering place for friends and like-minded people a spiritual companion for all we will continue to support and assist the other groups and clubs in the village including women’s own , the history society, the village hall , The village fete and Madras sports club . For a small village, we have much going on and much to look forward to together.

By integrating into the wider community we have more chance of reaching a wider audience who perhaps at present don’t realise what is here for them.

In conclusion, our aim is to try to be the modern face of the Church of England. Leading by example as we feel we are a visual representatives of the church , by being honest kind and compassionate members of the village, a way of life. Therefore, our aim is to build on this over the coming five years and to ensure all are welcomed at Knapton Church.”

– Allison Jackson, St Peter & St Pauls Church Warden and Safeguarding officer for the Trunch Group Of Parishes