The ruins of old churches seldom fail to catch my attention; I just have to investigate, even if it means a wade through waist-high nettles and a tangle of brambles. They exude a sense of Dark Gothic as if a nest of demons might lurk within. They evoke an earlier age, with images of the plague and endemic superstitions.
Claiming this as ‘Architecture’ and ‘Framed’ in #2018picoftheweek challenge. Photo: 15th April 2017
Most English ruins were Saxon foundations; in Norfolk rebuilt and embellished on the profits of the local wool and cloth industry in styles reflective of passing fashions, the latest being ‘Late Perpendicular’, a style favoured by the early Tudors. The ensuing Reformation saw the demise of these richly ornamented churches and a widespread replacement by the clean lines of the Puritan movement.
St Peter’s at North Burlingham, set a mere stretch east of its neighbour, St Andrews, is unusual in that its abandonment dates to the last century. Its round tower collapsed into the nave, one night in 1906. Temporary repairs failed to stem further deterioration; in 1936 its congregation moved to the neighbouring church.
crispina kemp 
I love finding natural frames within a photo. That arch is beautiful.
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The church sits just back from the road taken every time I go into Norwich. For 30+ years I had wanted to go there, Finally last Easter I achieved it. But so many photos, which one to use? Frames, it had to be this one.
BTW I’ve posted photo on Twitter, too, trying to enthuse others to join in the challenge.
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Sounds cool 🙂
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I’ve never been in a ruined church like this before, so your photo takes me to a new land: beautiful but spooky. As you say, very Dark Gothic. So many stories waiting to be imagined here — and then rush home before dark!
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Even from the outside you can imagine unquiet spirits. I was surprised at how recently it was abandoned. Usually the ruination dates to the Reformation period (C17th)
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Maybe that’s it — I’ve been in old ruins, but they didn’t look as…. fresh… as this one.
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