The Parish Church of St. Edmund
St. Edmund's Church, Church Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9LE
St.Edmund, C9th King of East Anglia, was martyred by the Viking Ivar the Boneless in AD 869/870 for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. His bravery and devotion continue to inspire today.
The church's distinctive warm hue comes from local carstone, which earns Downham Market the nickname 'Gingerbread Town'.
Construction of the present church, with a West Tower, began in the C13th. The C15th saw the addition of nave, aisles and a queen-post roof.
Stained glass includes a window in the Tower made of medieval fragments; C19th windows by William Wailes, Franz Mayer & Co, and Heaton, Butler & Bayne; and a C21st window by Oriel Glass Studio for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Inside you'll find a C15th font, a Lady Chapel of c.1500, post-Act of Union Queen Anne Royal Arms, and an eight-branch glass chandelier of c.1730 unique in parish church. The late C19th saw extensive restoration, including chancel rebuild. The 1910 rood screen and pulpit are by Geoffry Lucas, architect of the Garden City movement.
In 1949 the Church was designated a Grade 1 Listed Building.
St.Edmund's today serves Downham Market and Barroway Drove in the Church of England's Catholic tradition, offering a warm welcome to everyone, for regular worship, community events, and music. So come for the local history and beauty of the church and reflect on the peaceful space within.
There will be 2 guided tours of the Church by Fr. Mather - one at 1230 and another at 2.30pm.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1200 - 4pm
Location & directions
St. Edmund's Church, Church Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9LE
- Directions:
- The church may be accessed from Church Road or via a pathway through the cemetery from The Howdale.
- Contact on day:
- Christine Austin
- Telephone number:
- +441366384428
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
ACCESS WILL NOT BE UNTIL 12 NOON ....AFTER THE MORNING SERVICE There will be an organ recital at 3.30pm followed by Evensong at 4pm
Additional information
Please park elsewhere in town to allow sufficient parking for Blue Badge holders...thank you. This is a Medieval building so please be aware of its construction and take particular care when visiting.
