St Mary's church, East Bilney
St Mary's Church, Church Road, East Bilney, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4HN
Who Was Thomas Bilney?
A brilliant Norfolk scholar nicknamed "Little Bilney," his 1516 spiritual conversion led him to preach salvation through faith alone. From Cambridge, he sparked the English Reformation by converting heavyweights like Hugh Latimer and William Tyndale. He was burned at the stake at Norwich’s Lollards' Pit in 1531.
• Thomas Bilney Exhibition: Explore a specially curated heritage display tracing his secret university meetings, dramatic life, and historic legacy.
• The Bilney Window: View the stunning chancel stained-glass window depicting pivotal scenes from his life.
• Ancestral Roots: See the nearby "Martyr’s Cottage" and the church's rare, historic Jacobean wood panelling.
Enjoy a scenic drive down Norfolk’s winding lanes and step through our ancient doors to discover how a local boy ignited a flame that reshaped a kingdom!
St Mary's Church, Church Road, East Bilney, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4HN
Parking is in the church grounds and the grassy surface can be uneven. There is a step to access the church.