WELCOME TO
ST MARTIN'S CHURCH
THOMPSON
St Martin’s History
Thompson is an ancient settlement dating from the 10th century and the church of St Martin dates from approximately 1300. Our timeline shows a fascinating history since its endowment as a Collegiate Church in 1349 and the building of the college in which six priests resided. Several influential people have been associated with the church, including John Pory, who was born in Thompson in 1572 and became the first Speaker of the first Legislative Assembly in Virginia, and Prince Frederick Duleep Singh who helped save the church 100 years ago.
Our church is once again in need of help. The work to the nave roof was much more extensive, complex & unfortunately more expensive than we expected and as a result we have had to postpone works to the chancel roof, which is likely to be suffering from the same issues as the nave, and also the below ground rain water drainage system, without which the fabric of the church will not fully dry out. This is before we start on the interior....
Letter from Vanessa - May 2026
“Praying many blessings for our farmers, our community and its sustenance….”
I have found living and working in a rural benefice, particularly one centred around farming, is defined by a deep connection to the land, a strong sense of community, and the rhythmic, seasonal nature of agricultural life. Farmers I come in to contact with often describe a rewarding, albeit demanding, way
of life that offers a unique sense of peace and purpose. Did you know that this year, May 10th is Rogation Sunday, which always takes place on the fifth Sunday after Easter. But what exactly does it mark? Rogation is an ancient church festival which seeks blessing for a community and its sustenance. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning "to ask", reflecting the beseeching of God for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s
blessing on agriculture and industry.”
Since mediaeval times there has been a tradition of “beating the bounds” of the parish, praying for God ‘s blessing upon the crops and thus the well-being of that particular settlement. It is still observed by some parishes today – with a procession, prayers and a sharing of hope in God ‘s goodness to nourish
every endeavour which enables people to flourish. So, the Sixth Sunday of Easter (the fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday) is traditionally known as “Rogation Sunday” in the Church of England’s calendar of festivals. This is because the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week are known as the “Rogation Days,” days for fasting and prayer. The Thursday of that week is the feast of the Ascension, a major Christian festival commemorating the bodily ascension of Jesus into heaven 40 days after his resurrection on Easter, marking the end of Jesus's earthly ministry. Rogation invites people to ask for blessing – for a particular place, for all its inhabitants, for every endeavour to promote the common good. It is totally inclusive – joining everyone in seeking sustenance and a commitment to play their part in its provision. May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of all goodness and growth, pour his blessing upon our farmers, our communities, and all things created, that we may use his gifts to his glory and the welfare of all peoples.
With love and many blessings
Vanessa
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Why is St Martin's so important?
It has a rare 5 cant scissor-braced nave roof which we have recently restored.
It is a unique and largely unmodernised gem of historic importance; a Grade 1 listed mediaeval building, said to be the finest example of the Decorated style in East Anglia.
It has many unusual medieval and Jacobean features which need to be preserved.
The problem
for this unique building...
The roof structure is a rare example from the first half of the 14th century of a scissor braced roof and consists of 40 pairs of rafters. Sadly the rafter ends had rotted away and only thin clay lump walls prevented the roof from spreading. Luckily we caught the problem just in time and have repaired each of the 80 rafter ends using traditional techniques and new materials to match existing. The work was far more extensive than originally envisaged and although we had a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund we also managed to secure extra funding from many generous donors.
Your donations will:
• Help to re-focus religious and community activities in the church and its immediate surrounds.
• Enhance community cohesion and outreach (local, national and international).
• Using the church as backdrop, enable the PCC to deliver hands on experience to visitors of archaeology, history, heritage, education
and enactment.
• Secure the mediaeval fabric and associated artwork.
• Protect the environment, ecology and wildlife.
There is a lot to do, enable and deliver.
PLEASE BE GENEROUS
How you can donate
Just Giving Page
Revitalising St Martin’s Church, Thompson, Norfolk
Cash or cheque
Cheques and cash can be sent/delivered to:
The Treasurer, College Farm, College Farm Lane, Thompson, Thetford IP24 1QG
Online banking transfer (BACS)
Bank account name: Revi St Martin’s
Sort Code: 20 28 20
Account Number: 9391.4356
Latest News
Christmas Eve
Sadly we have had to cancel the Christmas Eve midnight service & carols by the tree due to Covid-19 but instead we are going to keep the church open all day if anyone would like to go in for private prayer or just to sit and think. We wish you all a peaceful Christmas and…
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Face masks – a spiritual undertaking?
Many of us are struggling with the use of face coverings, but Andy Bryant suggests that the act of wearing them can have a spiritual significance. From next Sunday church-goers will face one less choice. The decision about whether to mask or not to mask has been resolved. From August 8 masks will be required…
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A message from Bishop Graham
A message from Bishop Graham Following the Prime Minister’s announcement today we can turn our attention to resuming public worship from 4 July. To be able to gather again for worship, even whilst socially distancing, will be a joy and solace for many, though I am also acutely aware of those who will continue…
Read MoreTrinity Sunday – 7th June
Sadly today we will not have a service in our group of parishes as directed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and York and all the churches are closed. We hope that they open soon. Each week we will have a short sermon and some prayers and readings. If you want to chat on the telephone…
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Pentecost Sunday 31st May
Many people have contacted me to thank David and Rachel Butterworth from Breckles Hall for the wonderful cakes etc. they have given to people. Many thought that it was a gift from Fortnum and Masons!We will await directions regarding the re-opening of churches, and I will let you know as soon as possible. The Government…
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Seventh Sunday of Easter
A Homily – The Sunday after the Ascension This week the Archbishop of Canterbury along with Prince William courageously emphasised the importance of remembering the problems of mental health. We know that 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental issues at some time during their lives, but up until recently it was never…
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Sixth Sunday of Easter
Rogation Sunday HomilyToday is Rogation Sunday which was encouraged by King Henry 8th. During that time there were processions around the fields in rural communities with clergy leading the occasions. This was supported by the national church following a period of prolonged rain in 16th Century which threatened to ruin crops. These processions were very…
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Fifth Sunday of Easter
I am hearing so many good things are happening in our communities with many people helping the housebound and needy. Griston Relief Charity is helping a number of people, Thorp House has received meals from the Waggon and Horses, many villages have arranged for the housebound to receive help, postman and those collecting refuse have…
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Fourth Sunday of Easter
Welcome to the 4th Sunday of Easter – today we should have been at Stow Bedon Church and so our prayers are with the congregation there. Also, it should have been the Wayland Show today and so our thoughts are with our farming community and also the many charities that would have been at the…
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Third Sunday of Easter
Homily – the Road of Emmaus Welcome to the Third Sunday of Easter – today we should have been at Breckles Church and so our prayers are with the congregation there. Last week our choir members came together for tea and cakes at Henry Hardiment’s home in Thompson but it actually it was on Zoom,…
Read MoreHistory timeline
Contact us
If you would like more information about the renovations or would like to discus making a donation then please write to The Treasurer St Martin's Church, c/o College Farm, Thompson, Thetford IP24 1QG, get in touch by phone on 01953 483.318 or fill in the form below.