West Dereham

St Andrew's is in interesting church and is also one of the 100+ round towered churches in the County.  St Andrew's has an octagonal belfry added in 16th century but the interior of the church has many earlier features of interest.  It appears to stand apart from the village which, itself, is much dispersed. 

We know there was an Anglo-Saxon settlement in West Dereham as early as the 7th century. Archaeological evidence points to West Dereham being a high-status place and the hill on which St Andrew’s now stands was most probably a site of religious significance. Originally to the west of St Andrew’s was the church of St Peter. The basic fabric of the walls in St Andrew’s is Norman, the earliest parts being the nave and chancel. During the 12th century the most significant addition to the church was the large round tower. In 1401 it was stated that St Peter’s was so diminished in income that a priest could not be maintained. The parishioners of St Peter’s were freed from the maintenance of their former church and considered parishioners of St Andrew’s. 

The church community is most active and has Services every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday in the month.  Additionally there are weekly Online services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a regular Family Breakfast church.

For full details, contact Janet on janet.tanton@gmail.com or pickwickclub.cc@btinternet.com