Tucked away among the trees, a rare church dating back to Norman times is showing its age and a lack of loving care.

Now a charity which adopts "friendless" places of worship is set to return it to its former glory after adopting it.

Friends of Friendless Churches (FoFC) was given St Andrew's at South Runcton, between King's Lynn and Downham Market, by the Diocese of Ely in 2022.

St Andrew's Church at South RunctonSt Andrew's Church at South Runcton (Image: Andy Marshall/FoFC) Now the group, which cares for 60 churches, plans to restore the building, which closed more than 10 years ago after its congregation dwindled.

The London-based charity, which is funded by donations and subscriptions, said the work would cost £471,000 and take 10 months to complete. 

Katie Toussaint Jackson, its operations manager, said: "We have a lot to do.

"We will repair the roof and stonework throughout the church to make it wind- and weather-tight again, improve conditions in the churchyard to help keep the church dry, and carry out specialist conservation to its decorative carvings and historic interior.  

The interior of St Andrew's Church at South RunctonThe interior of St Andrew's Church at South Runcton (Image: Andy Marshall/FoFC) "When work is complete, St Andrew’s will be open to visit and enjoy year-round, and available to use for events, community activities and occasional services."

RARE HISTORY OF REBUILT CHURCH

Barely visible from the modern-day A10 which passes its wooden grounds, St Andrew’s is a richly-detailed rebuilding of a ruined, roadside Norman church, and was one of the first Victorian churches in Norfolk. 

The settlement of South Runcton was recorded in Domesday Book and there may have been an earlier church there before the Norman building.  

St Andrew's Church at South Runcton pictured in 1979St Andrew's Church at South Runcton pictured in 1979 (Image: Newsquest) The Norman church had fallen into decay by the 19th century and become a crumbling overgrown ruin.

John Brown, the surveyor to Norwich Cathedral, rebuilt St Andrew’s in a Neo-Norman style in 1839, although it is debateable how much of the surviving remains he incorporated into his detailed redesign.

By the early 21st century, the Grade II listed church was falling into decay again, prompting calls for the Diocese of Ely to act.  

St Andrew's Church at South RunctonSt Andrew's Church at South Runcton (Image: Andy Marshall/FoFC) FIND OUT MORE

On Thursday, November 7, FoFC’s director, Rachel Morley and its architect, Ruth Blackman, will be giving a talk about the building and the work needed to rescue it in King's Lynn.

It's being hosted at Lynn Minster, on the Saturday Market Place, from 6pm.

Tickets are free and can be reserved in advance via www.fofc.org.uk and will also be available on the door.