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St Andrews Church dates from the 13th Century, but various Norman mouldings point to an even earlier building on this site. The tower is from the Early English period (1200-75), and the first Rector to be recorded was Thomas de Ormesby in 1283.
There is one bell inscribed `Edw. Tooke made me, 1679’. In 1856-8, there was a complete restoration: some ancient wall paintings were uncovered but were unfortunately obliterated by unknowing workmen. The Cradle Roof of the nave is a copy of the original one; reed thatching is a local Norfolk craft. The Rood Screen has been removed, and the decorated iron ring on the main door is very old, probably fourteenth century.
The first Register dates back to 1566 in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st and is beautifully inscribed on parchment. The church possesses a Paraphrase of the Gospels and Act by Erasmus (1466-1536) which must be some 70 years earlier than our Authorized or King James version of the Bible. Stokesby has some of the finest brasses in Norfolk. The earliest depicts St Edmund Clere in a combrous helmet with raised visor and is dated 1488; his wife Elizabeth is with him in an elegant horned head-dress.
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