Haddiscoe
The local church in the village is dedicated to St. Mary and was originally constructed in the 15th century. The oldest part of the Church of England parish church of St Mary is the 11th-century west tower. St Mary’s is one of 124 round-tower churches in Norfolk. Inside the church are 14th-century murals including one of St Christopher carrying Jesus Christ. Jan Pier Pier, a 16th-century Dutch immigrant and creator of some of the dykes surrounding the village, is buried in the nave.
St Mary’s is a Grade I listed building
St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) currently consists of six members, including a Treasurer, Fabrics Officer and Churchwarden. The vicar, Rev. David Smith, who looks after St. Mary’s and 13 other churches, chairs our meetings. The PCC is a charitable organisation responsible for the upkeep of the 1,100-year-old church – this is done entirely through donations and fundraising. It also contributes to the Parish Share which helps towards the vicar, mission and ministry (our share this year for St. Mary’s was £2,800). Upkeep (utilities, insurance, etc), equates to around £150 per week. The PCC are not all regular churchgoers but have a shared interest in keeping the church open for the wider community, as a place of faith and as a place of contemplation. We currently have one Holy Communion service each month (first Sunday 9:30am) and an alternating Evening Prayer service (second Sunday 4pm which we share with St. Matthias, Thorpe). The church is open daily for visitors and private prayer. The PCC is always happy for new members and for volunteers to help with grass cutting, tidying, flower arranging, etc.
Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe
In Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe is the Church of England parish church of St Matthias. It too has an 11th-century round tower. Its nave has a thatched roof, and its chancel was rebuilt in brick in 1838.
St Matthias’ is a Grade I listed building.
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