St. Thomas' Church, Heigham, Norwich

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Church History

Postcard of St. Thomas' Church, dated 15th March 1905.

Thanks to Mike Bristow for the picture.

St Thomas' Church was built between 1886 and 1888. The foundation stone was laid on 28th October 1886. The architect, Ewan Christian, also restored Ingham and Runham churches and the chancel of Acle church. The church was built by Mr G. E. Hawes at a total cost of £6,600. It was consecrated on 28th June 1888.

Norwich was expanding beyond its medieval walls, spreading westwards into the parish of Heigham, which had once been a separate hamlet. St. Thomas' was one of several new churches built in the area, others including St. Philip's (on Heigham Road, now demolished), St. Barnabas on Russell Street and Holy Trinity, to the south of Unthank Road.

World War Two

War damage to St. Thomas' Church - Photograph by kind permission of Evening News / Eastern Daily Press library

Norwich suffered a number of air raids in the Second World War.

In one raid in the early hours of 27th June 1942 about 20,000 incendiary bombs and 33 high explosive bombs were dropped on the city. That night the cathedral was hit but the incendiaries were put out before they had done more than melt the lead on parts of the roof. The major store run by R.H. Bond and Sons Ltd on All Saints Green (rebuilt after the war and now John Lewis) was completely burnt out.

Several churches were destroyed that night. St. Michael-at-Thorn on Ber Street and St. Paul's Church off Magdalen Street were gutted by fire and St. Julian's Church on King Street was demolished (and was rebuilt after the war). Numerous houses were also destroyed that night. The original Heigham parish church, St. Bartholomew, had been bombed earlier that year, on 27th April 1942.

St. Thomas' Church was gutted by fire and had to be restored extensively after the war.

War damage to St. Thomas' Church (above and left).

The Church Today

St. Thomas' Church reopened in 1952, after being rebuilt by W. S. Lusher & Sons Ltd, to the design of Wright & Mason of Norwich.

It was rebuilt within its old walls and today has one of the most beautiful church interiors in Norwich. It has a light-coloured hardwood floor, a plastered roof and spacious aisle arches, as well as some lovely modern stained glass. The most well-known stained glass window features Juliana of Norwich, complete with cat and the motto "All shall be well".

The Church Hall is an important part of the local community and has been used by a number of groups and clubs. It survived the bombing in World War Two but suffered a major fire in May 2007. The rear of the hall was extensively damaged and there was smoke damage throughout.

The hall has now been restored with improved facilities and it was officially reopened in September 2009. There are long term plans to link the Hall to the Church.

Above: Banner by Ruth Camp; details of the church exterior.

St. Thomas' Church - May 2009, with Church Hall being renovated

Left: The same view as opposite, taken in May 2009.