NHER 3309 (Building record) - St Lawrence's Church, Castle Rising

St Lawrence's church.

September 1979. Field Observation.
Site visited by E. Rose (Norfolk Archaeological Unit). No notes retained.
Information from HER Record Forms (S4).
Amended H. Hamilton (HES), 23 October 2024.

1986. Field Observation (Monitoring).
A. Rogerson (NLA) observed excavation of a single trench located midway along the eastern wall of the church. The trench extended 1m outwards from the wall.
A level surface of rammed chalk with flints was seen at a depth of 30cm below the topsoil. This chalk deposit covered the entire base of the trench and its minimum depth was 20cm. It was cut by the foundations of the transept and therefore may represent the foundation trench for the wider, original transept prior to alterations.
Information from unpublished report (S13)
E. Rose (NAU), 31 January 1990. Amended H. Hamilton (HES), 23 October 2024.

January 1990. Field Observation.
Exceptionally important Norman parish church; 11th century font bought from older church (NHER 3307). Norman work probably of two periods. Important Early English remodelling. Two major 19th century restorations.
See unpublished report (S13) for detailed description of the architectural development of the church.
E. Rose (NLA), 31 January 1990.

1997. Post-excavation research.
There has been a considerable amount of debate regarding the relationship between St Lawrence's church and the Norman church located within the defences of Castle Rising Castle (NHER 3307) approximately 250m to the south. Detailed typological study of Norman column bases had led to the suggestion that the attenuated bases and associated capitals at the heart of the crossing in St Lawrence's church were constructed earlier than the castle (p2). Excavations within the castle indicate that
It is now believed parts of this church in fact predate the church in the castle which is seen as a chapel of ease.
E. Rose (NLA), 17 December 1997.

2011.
The fabric of the church includes large blocks of 'silver carr', the grey stone thought to have been quarried in the Castle Rising / North Wootton area and as used at Brancaster Roman fort, Reedham church etc. See NHER 56217.
D. Gurney (HES), 27 April 2011.