Church of St Helen, Ranworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Helen |
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| Location | Ranworth, Norfolk |
| Country | UK |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Founded | 14th century |
| Dedication | Saint Helen |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 25 September 1962 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Ranworth with Panxworth |
| Diocese | Diocese of Norwich |
The Church of St Helen in Ranworth, Norfolk, is a very old church. It's famous for its amazing collection of old church paintings. People sometimes call it "the Cathedral of The Broads" because it's so grand.
This church was built in the 14th century, which means the 1300s. But parts of it might be even older, from Saxon times! Inside, you can find many cool things from the Middle Ages. Two of the most special items are the church's rood screen and the Ranworth Antiphoner. The Antiphoner is a special handwritten book used for church songs.
The Church of St Helen is still used for services today. It's also a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historic place that needs to be protected.
Contents
Discovering the Church's History
How Old is Ranworth Church?
Even though it's called "the Cathedral of The Broads," the Church of St Helen has a bit of a mystery about its exact age. Some records, like those from Historic England, say it's from the 15th century (the 1400s). But other sources suggest it's actually from the 14th century (the 1300s). For example, some of the roof beams have the date 1370 carved into them!
Saving the Church from Collapse
Towards the end of the 1800s and early 1900s, the church needed a lot of help. It was starting to fall apart! So, people worked hard to restore it and stop it from collapsing completely. In 1963, a fire damaged the thatched roof over the chancel (the part of the church near the altar). Luckily, the fire didn't cause too much other damage.
Amazing Medieval Art Inside
The most special thing about St Helen's Church is its beautiful old decorations from the late Middle Ages. The rood screen is especially famous. It's a wooden screen that separates the main part of the church from the chancel.
A famous historian named Simon Jenkins thinks the paintings on this screen are "England's finest church screen paintings." You can see the Twelve Apostles (Jesus's main followers) painted on the rood screen itself. There are also 26 other saints and bishops painted on panels in other parts of the church. Experts believe these paintings were made in the 1470s or 1480s, and they are known for their "superb quality."
St Helen's is still a busy church today, serving the villages of Ranworth and Panxworth.
Exploring the Church's Design
What Does the Church Look Like?
The Church of St Helen started being built in the 14th century. Its design is called Decorated Gothic. However, much of the church shows the style of the 15th century, which is known as Perpendicular style.
The church is built from rough stones, called Rubble, with smoother Clipsham stone used for details. At the western end, there's a tall, three-story tower. After the tower, you'll find the nave (the main part where people sit), with two porches for entering. Finally, there's the chancel at the eastern end.
Special Items Inside
Besides the incredible paintings, the church has a few other interesting things inside. There's a special field altar that was used during World War I. A vicar named Reverend Teddy Everard used it during the war. Later, he became the vicar of Ranworth.
You can also see a memorial panel. It remembers the 14 brave men from the parish who lost their lives during World War I.
