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St Martin at Oak, Norwich facts for kids

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St Martin at Oak, Norwich
Church of St Martin at Oak.JPG
St Martin at Oak at Oak, Norwich
52°38′5.31″N 1°17′24.74″E / 52.6348083°N 1.2902056°E / 52.6348083; 1.2902056
Location Norwich, Norfolk
Country England
Denomination Church of England
History
Dedication St Martin
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade I listed

St Martin at Oak, Norwich is a very old church in Norwich, England. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it's a really important historical site. This church used to be a parish church for the Church of England, but it's not used for regular services anymore.

History of St Martin at Oak

This church is from the Middle Ages, built before the year 1491. Sadly, it was badly damaged during a bombing raid in January 1942.

Rebuilding and New Uses

The church was rebuilt in 1953 by an architect named John Chaplin. The idea was for it to become a church hall for nearby areas. However, this plan didn't work out because many local churches closed in the 1960s.

For a while, the building was used as a night shelter by the St Martins Housing Trust. Later, it was changed into "Oak Studios." This space is now used by theatre and music groups for rehearsals.

The Church Organ

In 1887, the church bought a special musical instrument called an organ. It was made by a company called Norman and Beard. You can find details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register.

When the church stopped holding services, the organ was moved. It found a new home at St Bartholomew's Church in Corton, Suffolk.

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