Far from the busy 24/7 non-stop world, a place of calm, somewhere to stop and be and reflect on the passing years.
A bridle way leads down to the lonely, bird-frequented marshes and the Weavers way long-distance path. An RSPB Reserve at Berney Arms is 2 1/2 miles' walk away. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
When the church was first built, the marsh was covered by sea, and the dedication of the church to St. Andrew the fisherman, suggests Wickhampton was once a fishing community.
Inside, the altar tombs of Sir William Gerbygge and his Lady, who died circa 1280, provide single beds on which they await Judgement Day. In his hands Sir William holds a heart: legend tells of the two Gerbrygge brothers and an argument in the course of which they tore out each other’s hearts; less dramatically, some think he is simply lifting his heart to God in prayer, while romantics are convinced it is an expression of his love for Lady Gerbygge.
Although the church was heavily, perhaps overly, restored in Victorian times, its greatest treasures are untouched - the wall paintings! They include St Christopher, The legend of The Three Living and The Three Dead, and The Seven Acts of Mercy and Christ Resurrected Blessing. Each of these is a visual aid to help teach the Christian faith: you too will die; care for your fellow travellers; feed the hungry; give water to the thirsty; clothe the naked; give shelter to the homeless; visit the sick; comfort the prisoner and bury the dead.
Also available at the church is an illustrated colour guide containing some art history and other information. Price: £2 for church funds.
Also more detailed notes about the wall paintings - techniques, who were the artists?, what were the important medieval themes?, why were they painted?
www.wickhampton.churchnorfolk.com
