A day of celebration marking the reopening of St Peter’s Church, Forncett

St Peter’s Church, Forncett is recognised by many as one of the finest round tower churches in the country. Over 1000 years old, it has many exceptional features, including a 15th-century alabaster tomb, intricately carved pew ends, a rare ancient wooden staircase and a memorial connected to the Wordsworth family.

In 2019 this Grade 1 listed building was put on the Heritage at Risk Register and the Friends of St Peter’s was formed to raise the money necessary to carry out structural repairs and to secure its future for the next 1000 years. In all, £741,918 was given by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £22,500 from Partnership Funders, £18,000 from Historic England and over £50,000 was raised by the local people of Forncett.

The Project

Added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2019 due to deteriorating roofs and masonry and inadequate drainage, the church had a major restoration between November 2024 and March 2026. Works included complete re-slating of the nave and chancel roofs, extensive masonry and flintwork repairs, replacement of the south aisle roof covering and installation of new drainage systems.

As part of the project, a new film, ‘A Rook over Forncett’ has been created which will premiere at the celebration on 25 October. The film celebrates the rich history of the Forncetts and looks to a bright future for the village.

Another aspect of the project is the three Heritage and Nature Trails that have been created. These will allow residents and visitors to explore the rich history and nature of the Forncetts.

There have also been a series of activities linked to the project involving local residents and schoolchildren. Two ‘Conservation Skills Days’, four ‘Family and Nature Wellbeing Sessions’ and three ‘Four Seasons in a Country Churchyard Conservation Skills Training Days’

The Celebration

• The celebration will be attended by local residents and invitees including:
  • The Lady Dannatt MBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk
  • Lord Dannatt
  • The Bishop of Thetford
  • Scott Sullivan on behalf of the National Lottery Heritage Fund
  • Trudi Hughes – Historic England Heritage at Risk Surveyor
  • Professor Peter Johnstone, Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge

The Programme

• • 10.30am – Celebratory Morning Service
  • 11.30am – Speeches and thanks
  • 12.00pm – The launch and premiere of the ‘Rook over Forncett’ film
  • 12.30pm – Lunch in the School Hall:
    • Finger buffet provided by The Friends of St Peter’s
  • 1.30pm – St Peter’s Heritage & Nature Trail / Walking Loop for all ages with Forncett Nature Matters*
  • 2.00pm – Re-showing of the ‘Rook over Forncett’ film
  • 2.30pm – St Peter’s Heritage & Nature Trail / Walking Loop for all ages with Forncett Nature Matters*

All Day 

• • • Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Forncett Nature Matters stalls and activities for families in the churchyard
    • Photographic display of the church repairs with our Architect Ruth Blackman

*The walk is about 1.5 miles long on footpaths and fields – so please wear suitable footwear