During a drive one afternoon I stumbled across this little church. I decided to go and investigate and found it to be a pleasant little site.
The church at Panxworth is in a ruinous state today yet has only been this way since around 1986. Today just the tower stands which has recently been renovated with new pointing around the flint work of the tower. The nave of the church has since been demolished. It is very easy to see that this church was very small with the nave being up to 50ft long. It is sad to see that this church has fallen into this state but it is also understandable that due to declining numbers of worshippers using churches, this building has become redundant.
There are a few grave stones still in the small church yard and it is fascinating to read them as it gives a glimpse and an insight into the people that lived and worshipped at this church while it was in use.
I found the site very peaceful even though it was very close to the road and surrounded by fields that are worked as arable land. I am also very pleased to see that this church while in a ruined state is still be cared for and protected for future generations to visit.
So today (18th October 2014) I visited Happisburgh and as I entered the village I saw a sign telling me that the church tower was open so I thought what a fantastic opportunity. I of course stoppped to take a look an I am so glad I did. I had visited Happisburgh and the church before however I only managed to take a look around the interior and the exterior of the church.
St Mary's at Happisburgh stands on top of a hill over looking the village and the fast approaching sea as it gradually eats away and erodes the cliff edging nearer and nearer to the church yard year on year.
So I entered the church to find a man sitting behind a small desk at the bottom of the tower taking the small charge for access to the stairs which was £1. A bargain I thought. He showed me the stairs and warned me to call up as I climbed as their radio system has broken down so he was unable to warn the warden up top the I was coming up.
So I stepped through the door way and started to climb the very narrow spiral staircase. I climbed and climbed what felt like a lifetime, and I was beginning to get slightly panicked as I climbed. I normally do not get worried about heights too much but there were small glass windows in the stairwell on the way up and it felt that I had very quickly left the ground and was very high up, it felt very disorienting.
On my way I saw the bells which were very impressive and finally I came to chamber above the bells where the stone spiral staircase stopped and new memorial metal spiral staircase started which took you up to the roof. Finally I broke through and made it to the to where I saw daylight again. Now when I went up the weather was slightly overcast and slightly breezy but the views were absolutely amazing. For a while it took a while to get used to being up there as the roof was slightly slopped which made it feel like I was falling over when walking around up there.
I am so pleased I went up there to take in these breathtaking views which I have included below. I will gradually and eventually post my photos from my original visit to the church.
So I can post these photos as I eventually made it back down the stairs again which again my heart leapt into my throat as they were very steep and several times I felt I was going to fall over.
