Founded in the late Saxon era between 940 and 975 AD overlooking the North Norfolk coastal marshes, St Mary's is one of East Anglia's treasured Grade II* listed round-tower churches. Friends Of Titchwell Church works alongside the Parochial Church Council to conserve its ancient flintwork, Norman belfry, historic 1850s organ, and stained glass for present and future generations.
South-West elevation showing the 10th-century Saxon round tower, c. 1080 Norman belfry, and medieval nave.
Situated on the North Norfolk coast between Brancaster and Hunstanton adjacent to RSPB Titchwell Marsh, St Mary's Church, Titchwell stands peacefully amidst coastal marshes and traditional flint cottages. Its circular Saxon tower—originally rising 30 feet in lime-mortared local flint—was heightened after the Norman Conquest around 1080 AD with a semi-circular arched belfry and later crowned with a timber and lead spirelet.
Friends Of Titchwell Church (Registered Charity No. 1217590) was incorporated as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in April 2026 to provide dedicated financial and practical stewardship alongside the Parochial Church Council—conserving historic furnishings, funding specialist masonry repairs, and sharing the building's thousand-year story with the wider public.
"Our shared commitment is to ensure that this ancient thousand-year-old building remains weatherproof, structurally sound, and open every day as a welcoming place of heritage, peace, and community life."
— Board of Trustees, Friends Of Titchwell Church
To advance the Christian faith by assisting in the maintenance, repair, renewal, and improvement of the fabric, fittings, furniture, and equipment of St Mary's Church at Titchwell in Norfolk—including its roofs, rainwater drainage, churchyard walls, and the 1850s Victorian chamber organ installed in the 1890s.
To restore, conserve, and preserve the features of St Mary's Church, its fabric, fittings, and other chattels which are of architectural, historical, constitutional, or other merit for the benefit of the public—safeguarding its pre-1000 AD Saxon round tower, c. 1080 Norman belfry arches, and late-19th-century stained glass windows.
As a Grade II* listed landmark along the Norfolk Coast Path, the building, its historical archives, and our educational guides are open to all members of the public regardless of background or belief—serving coastal walkers, school groups, historians, and local residents alike.
Following our registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in April 2026, our Trustees are coordinating three priority conservation appeals with specialist stonemasons, organ builders, and historic glaziers.
Specialist breathable lime-mortar repointing of the 10th-century coursed flintwork, structural consolidation of the c. 1080 Norman belfry openings, and weatherproofing of the timber-and-lead spirelet against North Sea salt winds.
Built in the 1850s and installed at Titchwell in the 1890s, our historic chamber organ possesses an exquisite tone. A primary aim of the Friends is raising funds for a complete mechanical and pipework restoration.
Overhaul of cast-iron rainwater goods and valley gutters alongside protective conservation of our 1890s stained glass windows—including The Parable of The Sower in the west tower wall and medieval-instrument angel tracery lights.
Thousands of walkers, birdwatchers visiting RSPB Titchwell Marsh, and architectural historians pass through Titchwell each year along the A149 and the Norfolk Coast Path. Alongside our physical masonry and organ appeals, the Friends are developing accessible visitor resources so everyone can explore the history of St Mary's.
We are currently preparing our 2026–2027 visitor audio trail and digital parish archive with the support of volunteer historians and charitable digital tools.
Creating clear, narrated audio guides describing the 10th-century Saxon round tower, the Norman belfry arches, and the 1890s stained glass for blind, partially sighted, and elderly visitors exploring the church.
Designing printed visitor booklets, architectural timelines, and school activity sheets that bring Titchwell's Domesday Book record (1087) and medieval craftsmanship to life.
High-resolution photography and video documentation of our lime-mortar flintwork repairs, stained glass conservation, and historic organ restoration for public historical reference.
Hosting seasonal architectural history talks, Norfolk round-tower study walks, and community recitals celebrating our 1850s Victorian chamber organ.
Friends Of Titchwell Church operates under strict charitable governance in full compliance with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Below are our statutory registration particulars, board of trustees, and institutional policies.
All funds raised are ring-fenced exclusively for our charitable objects. Click any policy below to inspect our governance standards:
Whether you wish to become a Friend, make a Gift Aid donation, enquire about grant partnerships, or arrange a historical visit to St Mary's Church, our trustees would be delighted to hear from you.
Registered Office: 45 The Green, Thornham, Norfolk, PE36 6NH
Church Site: Church Street, Titchwell, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8BB
+44 (0) 7909 726742
https://friendsoftitchwell.co.uk
Located directly off the A149 Coast Road near Titchwell Manor and served regularly by the Coastliner No. 36 bus. Open daily during daylight hours for quiet reflection and architectural appreciation.
Complete the form below to contact the Trustees of Friends Of Titchwell Church (Charity No. 1217590).