Felbrigg, Binham, Burnham Thorpe and Burnham Norton.

Yes I know I am staying next to one of the countries best bird reserves and I haven't been LOL 

The weather promised to be glorious so I set off to Felbrigg Hall, I haven't been for 4 years.

So off for a walk

St Margaret's dates to the mid 15th century. I don't know if there ever was a village near it.

There are some fine brasses but they were under carpets and I was feeling too lazy to move them :)

The walled garden at Felbrigg is a amazing. 

A very decent scone! 

So do I go in the house? 

Instead I went to Binham Priory. Most of the priory was demolished with 5 bays of the nave in use as the parish church. It is an evocative sight amongst the ruins. It must once have a fine fine building.

The west window which alas is now bricked is controversial as some accounts date it to the first half of the 13th century and make it the earliest example of bar tracery in England. There's also a nice font and remains of a rood screen. 

There is a dairy with a cafe next door and so I sat and enjoyed the afternoon sun whilst imbibing.

Burnham Thorpe - All Saints. 

The vicar of Burnham Thorpe was one Edmund Nelson who had a  son called Horatio. Who? well this wood sculpture is a clue ;)

That one. He would have worshipped here as a young man and much is made of his relationship here. You can buy a Nelson tea towel. Churches need the money so who blame them.  The flags come from HMS Invincible I believe. It's a lovely village church

This part of Norfolk has lots of round tower churches. Who is to say what is the finest but this has to be a contender. 

Burnham Norton - St Margaret. 

Curiously it stands apart from its village.

The dating of round towers is always "difficult"  but this is probably from the first half of the 11th century and Saxon.

William III and dated 1697. It may be earlier...

The wine glass pulpit which is a cracking piece of art! 

The church seating is surrounded by screens. Not sure I've seen this before...