BRIDGHAM Church

Welcome to a church that embodies the true essence of rural community life.

Bridgham is an active village which draws community members together regularly at many different and varied events. Even the Vikings keep coming back, and once home to Nelson`s chaplain, read on to explore this vibrant community to which the church is central.

 

HISTORY of Bridgham Church

The name of the village was "Brugeham" in 1050, and "Briggeham" in 1280. It means "Ham (settlement) by a bridge".

It is likely to be a very ancient settlement, as the Peddar's Way forms the western boundary of the parish and the parish is crossed by the prehistoric drove road from Hockwold to the Thet.

The village but not the church is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). However, there was undoubtedly a church here in Saxon days, for a priest lived here at the time of the Domesday Book, and a church is recorded in the Inquisitio Eliensis (a contemporary document).

Picture left: the new organ at Bridgham Church being consecrated by Rev'd Varlie Sheldrake on 5th September 2010. This followed a huge push to raise funds which included organist Doug porter completing two sponsored '100 Hymns from memory' sessions!

Even earlier the village was given to the monks of Ely by Aelfwaru, a wealthy Saxon widow, in her will. She died in 1007. There is no sign however of Saxon work in the present building, which is mainly 14th century 'decorated' work. The north porch is the first part of the building approached by visitors. It was built during the 15th century.

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