NHER 7091 (Building record) - St Mary's church

Possible Norman work, but church almost completely 14th century, thoroughly renovated in 15th century (possibly about 1480) and much 'restored' in mid 19th century. Demolished chapels and vestry.
Coffin slabs.
See report (S1), photographs (S2) and press cutting (S3) in file.
E. Rose (NAU), 22 October 1984.

September 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A small aerial associated with RAF Happisburgh radar station (NHER 14147) was placed on the church tower in 1942 (S4). This may account for some of the defences to the north of the churchyard visible on 1943 aerial photographs (NHER 38784). A bomb was dropped in the churchyard in 1940 (NHER 38700).
J. Albone (NMP), 7 September 2004.

February 2006.
West tower, nave, aisles, chancel. Tower and south aisle damaged by enemy action 1940, restored 1949-1951. Tower restored 1956-1958.
There is a timber vault in the south porch with a central boss featuring four Green Men. The 15th century screen has been much restored. 15th century octagonal font.
For further information see list description.
D. Robertson (NLA), 13 February 2006.

This is one of the sixty five Norfolk churches selected for (S5).
D. Gurney (NLA), 17 February 2006.

In the churchyard there is a mass grave for 119 souls lost from HMS Invincible off the Norfolk coast in 1801. This was discovered by chance in 1988 (S6).
D. Gurney (HES), 10 March 2015.