NHER 8519 (Building record) - St Margaret's Church, Upton

Tower fell in 1587 and was not rebuilt until 1928-31; it was said to be Norman, but another account says Norman foundations were found under a later tower. Bells were hung in a shed during its absence, and material was used to build the churchyard wall and the 'house across the road' according to (S1) (but cottages to east marked by Ordnance Survey have gone, and the Hall to north replaced by a modern house). Much reused material in present tower; arch is of brick with Decorated style capitals, and above it inside nave mark of original much lower roof. Norman capital set in large piscina by south door, and Norman moulding reset over door. Otherwise church all Perpendicular style; brick-edged putlog holes. Pieces of plain reused stone in walls. Porch has niche with pedestal. Chancel windows lowered to shelves except southeast which has sedilia with piscina incorporated. Perpendicular piscinae at east ends aisles. Hollowed arcades and chancel arch. Roof of tie beams on arched braces. The church was thoroughly restored after dereliction at end of 19th century. Consecration crosses each side chancel arch and in southeast corner; also wallpainting on northwest side chancel arch. Carved Perpendicular font, some say the best in Norfolk. Dado of screen, painted carved benches. Perpendicular pulpit mentioned by (S2) has gone. Royal arms George III. 16th - 19th century floor tombs, and medieval brass plaque of 1711. Foliate cross coffin lid, and fragments of another; various carved fragments lie around. Good 18th - 19th century memorials at east end north aisle. Bell, Norwich 1440. Chalice, Norwich 1567; paten, unmarked. Organ by Holdrich 1840.
E. Rose (NAU), 31 January 1979.

1505 screen given and church repaired; 1513 rededicated (Dr. Cotton).

Press cutting in file.

July 2009. Correspondence.
In January 2008 a drainage trench was dug the length of the east-west path running through the churchyard parallel with the south wall of the church. It is reported that 60 shallow burials were aligned north-south were discovered and one aligned east-west contained coffin furniture.
See (S3).
S. Howard (NLA), 7 May 2010.