EAST HARLING Church

Welcome to this warm and inviting church, which is steeped in history and draws visitors from around the country to a hidden treasure in the heart of Breckland.

East Harling Church has stood at the centre of village life for all this time.. An active and welcoming worshipping presence to those in times of joy, in times of trouble ,for weddings,baptisms,funerals and to celebrate Christmas, Eastertide and Harvest. All to the glory of God. This heritage continues today with an open and joyful community of worshippers.

The beautiful building we see today contains many medieval treasures not least of which is its East Window described by David King as: “The most important collection of 15th century glass by Norwich glass painters outside that city.” Download the 'Friends of East Harling Church' leaflet: we'd love to hear from you.

East Harling is normally open for visitors from the start of April through to the end of September.  It is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4pm.

For further information please phone Mr Ray Finch on 01953 717289.

HISTORY of East Harling Church

East Harling is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and there has been a Church on the site since the 11th century.

The present church was largely rebuilt during the 15th Century and by Anne Harling and her first two husbands Sir William Chamberlain and Sir Robert Wingfield from around 1447-1449.

The Church and its distinctive spire can be seen from some distance away, the tower “looks as if it has been telescoped into its base to avoid a thunderstorm. Light a fuse under it and it would rise like a rocket” states Simon Jenkins, author of England’s Thousand Best Churches.

It is capped by the distinctive openwork lantern base from which rises the tall tapering spire of oak covered in lead completed in around 1490. The last embellishments were the stonework and figures around the top of the tower showing the Garter and Badge of Lord John Scrope, Anne Harling’s third husband.