NHER 557 (Building record) - St Clement's Church, Colegate, Norwich

The Church of St Clement dates largely to the 15th and 16th centuries, although the current nave replaces an earlier and narrower one, the corner stones of which are still visible in the west wall. This small church has no porch or aisles, but is very similar in appearance to many of the Norfolk parish churches, with a nave, tower and chancel of flint with stone dressings. However, it is said to have been one of the first to be built north of the river, perhaps in the last decades before the Conquest, although no material from this period has been noted. Inside, a good sized brass memorial can be seen on the floor of the nave, dedicated to Margaret Petwoode and dated 1514. There is even a legend that says the lady has been seen attending weddings held in this church. There are also a number of memorials to the Wood family, Mayor in the 16th century and probably responsible for the original construction of the King of Hearts building, just across the road. The 19th century saw this part of Norwich, which had been occupied since the Late Saxon period, overtaken by industry and poor quality housing. As a result the church became abandoned, until it was declared redundant in the 1960s. The church was taken in hand by the Norwich Historic Churches Trust, and leased to a local Methodist minister who has made it his life's work to keep this little church open and available for private prayer every day.